Virology - general

Virology - general

Is it recommendet to use swabs with AMIES transport medium for collecting influenza samples? Thank you. iris_hatibi@hotmail.com

(answered 05/02/2007)

We currently perform rapid Influenza testing for Flu A and B. My understanding is that Avian Flu H5N1 is a Flu A virus. My question is, in the event of a suspected pandemic flu event with avian flu, I expect that our physicians will want to rule out Influenza A and B. Will the avain flu cross react with non-avian flu type A? And if so, how do we rule it out?
(answered 04/11/2007)

Is it required, necessary or just recommended for a clinical virology lab to confirm a Herpes culture CPE with a immunoflourescent stain or other test prior to reporting out the results?
(answered 02/08/2007)

what is tzanck cell? how to recognize it?
(answered 02/06/2007)

Is it recommended that Herpes simplex be typed as to type I or II from genital and CSF specimens?
(answered 01/15/2007)

We currently use the Meridian Bioscience Immunocard STAT for Rotavirus testing. The ER would like to submit rectal swabs for testing. The package insert states "Stool specimens may be collected by the method routinely utilized by the laboratory, providing no dilution of the specimen occurs." Has anyone done a study to see if a rectal swab could be an acceptable specimen for this procedure?
(answered 05/30/2006)

Are there anticipated testing protocols for the bird flu worries--what will the ER doctors be expecting from microbiology departments--is there a way to gear up?
(answered 05/30/2006)

When handling a specimen with suspected prions, it is believed all work should occur in a BSL2 cabinet. If a CSF routine bacterial culture is ordered along with the request for prions, what is the proper handling of the culture plates? Do plates need to be examined under the BSL2 also, or may they be examined and processed on the bench? Are there any special procedures that need to be done regarding the CSF gram stain?
(answered 03/06/2006)

We are trying to work out a streamlined protocol for viral studies performed on csf specimens from the emergency room. We are getting orders for virus cultures and meningoenchephalitis panel on csf specimens with normal wbc and chemistry results. The patients are being discharged home, and these results come back around 7-14 days later This appears to be an expensive way to rule out a viral infection. Any suggestions?
(answered 12/22/2005)

Is there a clinical indication to perform viral studies of any kind on a csf specimen if there are no white cells in the cell count?
(answered 12/08/2005)

Is there any set of peope that can not be affected by Hiv.
(answered 11/05/2005)

IS THE AVIAN H5NI FLU VIRUS DETECTED BY ALL LAB KITS THAT DETECT FLU A
(answered 10/26/2005)

Do you know of a book or publication that details the method for detecting arboviruses in mosquito specimens?
(answered 10/17/2005)

We are trying to decide which hepatitis platform and testing reagents we should utilize in our clinical labnoratory. The choices we are looking at are Abbott Architect and Bayer ADVIA Centaur. We are curremtly using AxSYM for all our hepatitis tests. I know Abbott Architect is not FDA approved, but this is not a criteria we have to worry about in Canada. I would appreciate any comparative evaluation data for Abbott Architect and Bayer Centaur. Thank you.
(answered 07/06/2005)

What is the best rapid test for the detection of Rotavirus. Our ER want us to have one available. Should it we backup all negative results with another method? If so what method?
(answered 07/06/2005)

How useful are the POC influenzae kits to providers?
(answered 04/19/2005)

Are positive and negative controls required each time that fluorescent stains are used for the identification of a virus?
(answered 03/03/2005)

Is anyone out there using ImmunoCard Stat for Rotovirus or Virogen Rotates latex agglutination? Do you like the test?
(answered 02/17/2005)

Is a nasal wash or a nasal swab the best specimen for rapid influenza testing?
(answered 01/19/2005)

What is the best method for the diagnosis of Mycoplasma pnemonia and Chlamydia pnemonia in a routine diagnostic laboratory which have the facility to run molecular methods? Thanks
(answered 01/06/2005)

I heard that the Influenza "rapid" tests are not good on adults in general and should only be used during "peak" season (about 6 wks/yr). DFA with culture on negatives was the recommended protocol. Please comment. Thanks!
(answered 11/11/2004)

We, in the bacti lab are not on the list of persons eligible for flu shots this year, as we have no patient contact. We use a hood and gloves in the plating area, but are wondering if there are any special risk factors in working with cultures that may be positve for flu.
(answered 10/28/2004)

After having genital herpes for l6 years and no outbreaks for 5-6 years how prevelant would the viral shedding be?
(answered 10/08/2004)

An HSV isolate from a patient on acyclovir has been difficult to get to high enough titer to do anti viral susceptibility testing. Is this common? Or, is there a solution? Thanks.
(answered 10/08/2004)

Is there a rapid varicella testing kit ?
(answered 07/30/2004)

Currently we perform rabies testing under BSL2 conditions, and all animal brain removal procedures take place within the BSC with personnel in full PPE (including N95 masks. In addition to being sectioned for rabies analysis, cow brains are sectioned and sent off to a USDA lab as part of the surveillance project for CJD.Are there any added safety precautions that need to be put in place, in the unlikely event that one of these brains ends up beiing positive for CJD?
(answered 06/22/2004)

RAPID VIRAL CULTURE: If 3 microwell plates are set up initially, with the first plate stained at 24 hrs for the 7 viral resp papthogens is negative, and then a 2nd plate is stained at 48hrs and again negative and the last plate examined for CPE which again is negative. Would it be correct to use the CPT code 87254(X7)for the initial plate and stain and repeat 87254(X7) for the 2nd plate and stain and finally include 87252 for the last plate for CPE?
(answered 06/24/2004)

Are there any commercially available assays for testing for the 14-3-3 protein in humans for CJD diagnosis?
(answered 05/19/2004)

what is arenaviruses viral cycle of infection?
(answered 11/14/2003)

Is varicella disease a bacterium, Fungus, Virus, Protist, Parasitic Helminth, or Prion
(answered 10/20/2003)

What is the best method for disinfection and disposal of virology liquid waste, i.e., refeed cell culture media from inoculated cultures?
(answered 07/31/2003)

Can you provide information on the diagnostic value of quantitative results for Rubella and other antibody assays? Should I be concerned of lot-to-lot variability at the high end of the working range for an assay such as Rubella IgG even though publications recommend 10mIU/ml as the cutoff for immunity?
(answered 06/07/2003)

SARS, what is the best web site providing updated information regarding SARS? Is there any available diagnostic kits and who is the supplier?
(answered 04/21/2003)

How long can a viral transport for Herpes culture be left at room temp after the specimen collection prior to set up ?
(answered 04/21/2003)

Severe acute respiratory syndromme(SARS)The role of Corona virus, Paramyxovirus or Chlamydia proved in SARS ?
(answered 04/10/2003)

What is the temperature range within which the hepatitis C virus can exist?
(answered 11/29/2002)

We are asked to test RSV and Influenza A/B during the summer. I have heard experts say not to use EIA's out of season. Is this because of low prevalence causing the positive predictive value to be low and resulting false positives?
(answered 08/16/2002)

does ureaplasma urealyticum cause pelvic inflammatory disease?
(answered 07/10/2002)

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