Collect
Variable specimen types
Specimen Preparation
Swab specimens in viral transport medium.
CSF and body fluids undiluted in sterile, leak-proof container - 3.0 mL (1.5 mL minimum).
Body fluids undiluted in sterile, leak-proof container - 1.0 mL (1.0 mL minimum).
Biopsy/tissue specimens should be ordered for Tissue Comprehensive Virus Detection (TCVD).
Stool in IATA-approved screw-capped container - 2.0 mL (1.0 mL minimum) liquid stool or marble
size solid stool.
Undiluted urine in an IATA-approved screw-capped container - 2.0 mL (1.0 mL minimum).
Blood in EDTA (lavender top) tube - 3.0 mL (2.0 mL minimum).
Bone Marrow in EDTA - 1.0 mL (0.5 mL minimum).
For respiratory specimens order RCVP Respiratory Comprehensive Virus Panel
Alternate Specimen
Stool in Cary Blair medium.
The Laboratory Director or Supervisor must approve testing of specimens other than those listed.
Minimum Volume
Determined by specimen type
Transport Temperature
Varies by specimen type, see stability
Rejection Criteria
Rectal swabs and stool preserved in formalin, SAF, or PVA.
Stool specimens received with diapers, tissue paper, tongue depressors, sticks, and other objects.
Serum will not be tested due to decreased virus concentrations.
Urine in Grey-Top (boric acid) urine vacutainers. Specimens in Amplicor, EIA, Gen-Probe, or ProbeTec transport media.
Specimens in bacterial transport media, Stewart medium (Culturettes) and specimens in bacteriological blood culture media.
Dry swabs, wooden swabs, calcium alginate swabs, and swabs in gel transports.
Specimens received in non-sterile or leaking containers will not be tested.
Respiratory specimens (Order RCVP)
Stability
Room temperature (18-25°C): 4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C): 7 days
Frozen (-70°C): 3 months