Lab Tests - Serology/Virology

Virology/Serology Tests  

It is important to state relevant clinical details and date of onset of symptoms on the laboratory form.

If no clinical details are clearly stated on the request form, the sample will be stored. 

 The following tests are performed at Good Hope Hospital. Some tests are performed in batches but urgent tests can be performed by arrangement with the laboratory (Ext 47313)

Rotavirus/Adenovirus:

• Specimens:
• 2 -3 spoons of faeces into plastic faeces container
• Turnaround Times:
• Performed daily.
• Positive results are phoned immediately.

The following tests are sent to Reference laboratories. Results may take 7 - 10 days. A minimum of 5 - 10 mls of clotted blood is required.

1. Antistaphylolysin titre
2. Aspergillus precipitins
3. Brucella
4. Atypical pneumonia screen - the reference laboratory will not routinely accept these requests unless acute and convalescent sera (10-14 days apart) are sent.
5. Enterovirus PCR
6. Epstein-barr virus IgM
7. Hepatitis A IgG (immunity for travellers)
8. Legionella antibody
9. Legionella antigen NOTE: MSU required, not blood
10. Leptospira IgM
11. Lymes disease (Borrelia burgdorferi antibody)
12. Meningococcal PCR (EDTA blood)
13. Parvovirus IgG and IgM
14. Rickettsia antibody
15. Rubella IgM antibodies
16. Toxocara antibodies

For further information regarding investigations not listed, please see Heartlands Microbiology intranet page or contact the consultant Virologist on Bleep 2821.

Viral PCR :

      Specimens:

• Respiratory swabs, genital swabs, skin swabs, mouth swabs, eye swabs, urine
• Comments:
• Send samples in transport media. Available from Serology department (GHH) ext 47313 or pathology reception fridge out of hours.
• Turnaround Times: 
• Sent to Heartlands Virology department for processing.
• Results may take 7 - 1 0 days

RSV:

• Specimens:
• Nasopharyngeal aspirate
• Respiratory swabs in Viral transport media
• Turnaround Times:
• Sent to Heartlands Virology department for processing

Investigation of congenital infection or intrauterine death

For diagnosis of possible congenital viral infection in a neonate send:

• 1) CMV - if <3 months send urine for CMVPCR, if >3 months send EDTA blood for CMVPCR
• 2) Throat swab in viral transport media
• 3) Blood (clotted) for Rubella IgM and Toxoplasma

For diagnosis of infection as a cause of intrauterine death send maternal blood (clotted sample) for:

1. 1) CMV IgM,
2. 2) Rubella IgM
3. 3) Toxoplasma serology

Blood Borne Viral loads e.g, HIV, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B

• Specimen:
• 2 x EDTA bloods required per viral load
• Comments:
• Please specify whether quantitative or qualitative PCR is required for Hepatitis C.
• If genotyping is required for Hepatitis C, an extra EDTA blood is required.
• Turnaround Times:
• 7 - 10 days