Test Code VIRNR Viral Culture, Non-Respiratory, Varies
Reporting Name
Viral Culture, Non RespiratoryUseful For
Diagnosing viral infections in nonrespiratory specimens
This test is not useful for viruses that cannot be detected in cell culture including Epstein-Barr virus, rubella virus (order serology), West Nile virus, human papillomavirus, Norwalk virus, or norovirus.
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
VariesOrdering Guidance
Source-based recommendations for testing:
Dermal specimens: Leg, arm, skin, axilla, etc:
Order LHSV / Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies and/or LVZV / Varicella-Zoster Virus, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies. If a dermal sample is submitted for viral culture, the laboratory will automatically change the testing to LHSV and LVZV.
Genital specimens: Cervical, endocervical, genital, labia, penis, perianal, scrotum, vaginal
Order LHSV / Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies. If a genital sample is submitted for viral culture, the laboratory will automatically change the testing to LHSV.
Oral specimens: Gum, mouth, palate, tongue, tonsil, parotid, buccal
Order separate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests as appropriate:
LCMV / Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
LHSV / Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
LENT / Enterovirus, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
LADV / Adenovirus, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
LVZV / Varicella-Zoster Virus, Molecular Detection, PCR
Respiratory specimens: Bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial wash, lung, lung tissue, nasal swab, nasal wash, sputum, throat swab, tracheal aspirate
Order RP / Respiratory Panel, PCR, Nasopharyngeal (NP) for NP swabs and RPB / Respiratory Panel, PCR, Varies for bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial washings.
For other respiratory sources order separate PCR tests as appropriate:
LCMV / Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
LHSV / Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
LENT / Enterovirus, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
LADV / Adenovirus, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
LVZV / Varicella-Zoster Virus, Molecular Detection, PCR
Infectious agent-based recommendations for testing:
If cytomegalovirus (CMV) is suspected in bone marrow or urine specimens, order LCMV / Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
If herpes simplex virus (HSV) is suspected in a neonatal patient (<1 month), order VHSV / Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Culture From Neonates, Varies
State Health Department testing only: specimens will not be accepted for viral culture at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for the following diseases (submit directly to your state health department).
-Measles
-Mumps
-High-risk infectious agents including, but not limited to, Ebola and other causative agents of viral hemorrhagic fever, avian influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and SARS CoV-2 (coronavirus 2019: COVID19)
Shipping Instructions
1. Specimen must be transported at refrigerate temperature.
2. Swab specimens should be sent in viral transport media.
3. Specimens must be received and cultured in the laboratory within 7 days post collection.
4. Specimens for viral culture should be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible for optimal recovery.
Necessary Information
Specimen source is required.
Specimen Required
Specimen Type: Body fluid
Sources: Pericardial, peritoneal, amniotic
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Type: Lip
Supplies:
-Swab, Sterile Polyester (T507)
-M4-RT (T605)
-Bartels FlexTrans VTM-3 mL (T892)
-Jiangsu VTM-3 mL (T891)
Container/Tube: Multimicrobe media (M4-RT)
Specimen Volume: Swab
Collection Instructions: Place swab into multimicrobe media (M4-RT, M4, or M5).
Specimen Type: Rectal
Supplies:
-Swab, Sterile Polyester (T507)
-M4-RT (T605)
-Bartels FlexTrans VTM-3 mL (T892)
-Jiangsu VTM-3 mL (T891)
Container/Tube: Multimicrobe media (M4-RT)
Specimen Volume: Swab
Collection Instructions: Place swab into multimicrobe media (M4-RT, M4, or M5).
Specimen Type: Spinal fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Type: Feces
Supplies: Stool Collection Kit, Random (T635)
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 5-10 g
Specimen Type: Tissue
Supplies:
-M4-RT (T605)
-Bartels FlexTrans VTM-3 mL (T892)
-Jiangsu VTM-3 mL (T891)
Sources: Brain, colon, kidney, liver, etc.
Container/Tube: Sterile container containing 1 mL to 2 mL of sterile saline or multi-microbe medium (M4-RT, M4, or M5).
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Specimen Type: Dermal (for enterovirus only)
Supplies:
-Swab, Sterile Polyester (T507)
-M4-RT (T605)
-Bartels FlexTrans VTM-3 mL (T892)
-Jiangsu VTM-3 mL (T891)
Container/Tube: Multimicrobe media (M4-RT)
Specimen Volume: Swab
Collection Instructions:
1. Place swab in M4-RT media or other viral transport media (M4 or M5).
2. Clearly label "enterovirus" to ensure proper handling and test setup.
Specimen Minimum Volume
Body Fluid or Spinal Fluid: 1 mL
Feces: 5 g
Tissue Biopsy: 5 mm
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Varies | Refrigerated | 7 days |
Reference Values
Negative
If positive, virus is identified.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
87252-Viral culture, non-respiratory
87176-Tissue processing (if appropriate)
87253-Additional testing virus, identification (if appropriate)
87254-Viral smear, shell vial (if appropriate)
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
VIRNR | Viral Culture, Non Respiratory | 6584-7 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
VIRNR | Viral Culture, Non Respiratory | 6584-7 |
Report Available
14 to 20 daysReject Due To
Gel swab, swab with wood handle, E-swab Bile (toxic) Deep seated tissues Lymph nodes Synovial fluid Bone marrow/bone tissue Wound swabs Tissue swabs Pus, abscess and/or drainage material |
Reject |
Special Instructions
Testing Algorithm
All routine viral cultures are inoculated into cell culture tubes for viral detection. The most common specimens received for routine testing include body fluid, rectal, spinal fluid, and feces. A rapid (16-hour incubation) shell vial cell culture assay will be inoculated when specimens are designated for herpes simplex virus (HSV), adenovirus (AD), or cytomegalovirus (CMV) detection, or as appropriate for source indicated, and will be charged separately for each virus tested.
Information pertaining to specific sources:
Acceptable sources:
-Dermal specimens for enterovirus only (clearly indicate "Enterovirus" on test request)
-Feces: rectal swab (preferred); random fecal specimen (acceptable)
-Brain tissue
-Liver tissue (for CMV and herpes) refrigerated in saline or phosphate buffered saline
-Esophageal tissue, swabs, or brushings
Sources not recommended or not acceptable:
-Blood, lymph node tissue, and bone marrow/bone tissue specimens are frequently toxic to cell culture lines. Most molecular methods are appropriate for these specimen types (exception: bone tissue).
-Ocular fluids (vitreous and aqueous): viral culture is not recommended due to usually inadequate volumes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is recommended
-Genital, synovial fluid, wound swab, or tissue (includes pus, drainage, or abscess fluid)
See Ordering Guidance for recommended testing on these specimen types.
Method Name
Cell Culture
Shell Vial Assay for Herpes Simplex Virus or Cytomegalovirus
Secondary ID
87266Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.
Reflex Tests
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
TISSR | Tissue Processing | No, (Bill Only) | No |
VID2 | Additional Testing Virus Ident | No, (Bill Only) | No |
SVIR | Viral Smear, Shell Vial | No, (Bill Only) | No |