Lab: Virology

Request Form: Microbiology

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 - Friday

Special Instructions: Specimens received by noon will have same day results. 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 .

Specimen: Nasal wash

Minimum Volume: 2 ml