Laboratory Test Directory

Collection: Use sterile saline (PBS) to aspirate a nasal wash. With a rubber bulb, insert 5 ml of PBS into the patient's nostril. Immediately aspirate the PBS back into the bulb. Transfer the contents of the bulb to an empty test tube and label.

Storage Instructions: Refrigerate; transport on ice.

Causes for Rejection: Culturette submitted, insufficient cellular material

Availability: Samples are accepted 24 hours per day at the Microbiology Processing Laboratory, Room 5.137 McCullough.

Turnaround Time: 1 day; test performed daily Sunday - Saturday

Special Instructions: Transport specimen on ice. Specify viruses suspected. Instructions and materials are available from the Virology Laboratory, Room 5.110, McCullough Building, Monday-Friday, 8 AM-4 PM . The EIA test is performed when there is a high probability in the community - winter months. Negative EIA results may be reflexed to shell vial culture or PCR testing to detect low levels of virus. Refer to PCR test for more details.

Specimen: Nasal wash, nasal swab, throat

Minimum Volume: 2 ml

Other Information: Order PCR in addition to this direct test.

Test Method: EIA capture membrane assay

Revised/reviewed 10/31/12 by T. Friloux

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