Respiratory Virus Screen
(Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Influenza A and B,
 Parainfluenza 1, 2 and 3, Adenovirus)

Acceptable specimen: nasopharyngeal aspirate, nasal or bronchial washings, bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL), tracheal aspirate, or nasopharyngeal swab/nasal swab/throat swab received in Viral Transport Media (VTM).

Submit in sterile container or sterile specimen trap.

When collecting specimens using a specimen trap, directions for use MUST be followed to avoid leaking specimens:

BUSSE auger suction trap directions for use:

1.                  Tighten cap for firm seal before collection

2.                  Connect distal end of catheter to tubing; attach suction tubing to removable plastic connector

3.                  Collect specimen, then remove the suction tubing along with connector, exposing chimney.

4.                  To seal trap, remove catheter from tubing and connect tubing to chimney, forming an inverted "U"

Directions are also clearly indicated on the container packaging.

If a nasopharyngeal swab is the only specimen available collect using a cotton or dacron swab.
Submit the swab in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or Universal Transport Medium.

Store specimen at 4°C.
Specimen can be refrigerated up to 24 hours prior to testing.
DO NOT freeze.

Parafilm or tape the connection and lid of the sterile trap before transport.
Transport to the lab upright in racks.

Turnaround time for negative result: 1 day.

Daily

Specimens must be received by 1400h Monday - Sunday; specimens for Respiratory Virus Screen received after these hours will be processed the next day.

STAT RSV results after 1400h Monday - Sunday must be approved by the Medical Microbiologist on call (MOC) by calling (403)770-3757.