Ordering Recommendation

For best results, specify specimen source and suspected virus on order form. Molecular diagnostics are preferred for suspected invasive cytomegalovirus (CMV).

New York DOH Approval Status

This test is New York state approved.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation
Collect

Eye swab, lesion, tissue (brain, colon, kidney, liver, etc.), or urine.

Specimen Preparation

Fluid: Transfer 3 mL specimen to a sterile container. (Min: 0.5 mL) Also acceptable: Transfer to 3 mL viral transport media (ARUP Supply #12884) available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at 800-522-2787.
Swab or Tissue:
Place in 3 mL viral transport media (ARUP Supply #12884) available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at 800-522-2787.

Storage/Transport Temperature

Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions

Calcium alginate, eSwab, dry, or wood swabs.

Remarks

Specimen source preferred.

Stability

Ambient: 2 hours; Refrigerated: 72 hours; Frozen: Unacceptable

Methodology

Cell Culture/Immunofluorescence

Performed

Sun-Sat

Reported

3-16 days
Viral Culture: 3-16 days 
Cytomegalovirus Rapid Culture: 1-5 days

Reference Interval

Negative.

Interpretive Data



Compliance Category

Standard

Note

Identification is billed separately from culture. Viruses that can be isolated include adenovirus, cytomegalovirus, enterovirus, herpes simplex virus, and varicella-zoster virus. However, virus-specific tests are recommended and are listed below.  

The following test is standard of care for diagnosing adenovirus infection in tissue specimens:
Adenovirus by Qualitative PCR (ARUP test code 2007473)

The following tests are standard of care for diagnosing viral infection in CSF specimens:
Cytomegalovirus by Qualitative PCR (ARUP test code 0060040)
Enterovirus by PCR (ARUP test code 0050249)
Epstein-Barr Virus by Qualitative PCR (ARUP test code 0050246)
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1/HSV-2) Subtype by PCR (ARUP test code 2010095)
Varicella-Zoster Virus by PCR (ARUP test code 0060042)

The following tests are recommended for detecting a specific virus in specimens other than CSF. If a specific virus is suspected, please indicate the virus on the test request.

Enteric adenovirus 40-41 and rotavirus in stool. Refer to Gastrointestinal Pathogens Panel by PCR (ARUP test code 3003279).
Cytomegalovirus. Refer to Cytomegalovirus Rapid Culture (ARUP test code 0065004).
Mumps virus. Refer to Mumps Virus by PCR (ARUP test code 3000523).
Varicella-zoster virus. Refer to Varicella-Zoster Virus DFA with Reflex to Varicella-Zoster Virus Culture (ARUP test code 0060282).

Hotline History

N/A

CPT Codes

87252; 87254; If definitive identification required, add 87253.

Components

Component Test Code* Component Chart Name LOINC
2006496 Viral Culture, Non-Resp and CMV Culture 6584-7
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.

Aliases

  • adenovirus
  • CMV culture, HSV culture
  • CMV Rapid Culture
  • cytomegalovirus
  • enterovirus
  • herpes simplex virus
  • varicella-zoster virus
  • VZV culture
Viral Culture, Non-Respiratory and Cytomegalovirus Rapid Culture