For quantitative CMV PCR order CMV Viral Load.
A separate EDTA blood tube is essential. It cannot be used for other tests.
Use a blue capped elution swab (eSwab) for collection. These are purchased using eReq.
Guidelines for swab collection.
A sterile flocked swab is used to vigorously swab the base of the lesion— applying enough pressure to collect epithelial cells without causing bleeding—and collect vesicular fluid. It is important to collect infected epithelial cells from the base of the lesion because they usually contain a significant amount of virus.
Break off the swab in the amies transport medium accompanying the swab.
For investigation of CMV colitis, a colonic biopsy is recommended. For all other enquires, please contact the Microbiology Registrar. |