Microbiology Specimens: Virology
Isolation of viruses is best done during the first three days of illness. Listed are the best specimens for numerous viral diseases.
Note: Please examine specimen collection and transportation supplies to be sure they do not include expired containers.
| Disease Site | Specimen / Site | Likely Viruses |
|---|---|---|
| *Enteric cytopathogenic human orphan (ECHO) virus. | ||
| Skin | Vesicle fluid Scrapings Biopsy | Herpesvirus Varicella-zoster Coxsackievirus |
| Genital area | Vesicle fluid Exudates | Herpesvirus Chlamydia trachomatis |
| Respiratory system | Throat Nasopharynx | Adenovirus Influenza Parainfluenza Respiratory syncytial virus Rhinovirus |
| Eye | Exudates | |
| Central nervous system (CNS) | Spinal fluid Throat Brain (biopsy) | Echovirus* Coxsackie virus Mumps Poliovirus |