Why is this procedure done?
This test is done to find out if you are infected with the respiratory syncytial virus. Another name for this virus is RSV. This is a common infection and it is easy to spread from person to person. Babies that are born early are at higher risk for getting RSV. So are people with lowered immune systems from drugs or certain diseases. Your doctor may order this test to: � �
- Learn if your pneumonia or other lung problem is caused by RSV
- Help your doctor make a decision about your treatment
- Find the cause of an unexplained fever, illness, or shock
- Go along with tests for other germs
What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test and compare them to what is normal.
- If the results are normal or negative, it means you likely do not have an infection caused by RSV. Sometimes the doctors will say the culture has "no growth. " �
- If the results are not normal or positive, you may have an RSV infection.
- Your doctor may order another test. This will help check a result that is not normal or to learn more about a diagnosis.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
- If you are extremely ill, the doctor may start treatment before the test results are back.
What happens before the procedure?
- There are no special things to do before the test.
- Talk to your doctor about all the drugs you are taking.
What happens during the procedure?
- It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time.
- The doctor or nurse will carefully rub an area deep inside of the nose with a cotton swab. Sometimes they will swab both sides of the nose. The doctor may also send fluid from inside of your nose to test for RSV. This is a nasal aspirate.
- This may be uncomfortable but it will only last a few minutes.
- The swab will go into a bottle or tube partly filled with other fluids. This is sent to the lab and kept in a special setting. Over a day or two, if there are any germs in your nose, they will grow and increase in the lab.
- Then, the lab tech will collect some of them and look at them with a microscope.
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results. Some tests will give results in a few minutes. Others will take a few hours. Some other tests will take at least 1 to 3 days.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities after this test. � �
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have RSV. Together you can make a plan for more care. � �
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Feeling dizzy
- Eyes watering
- Burning or stinging feeling in the nose
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry � �
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/rsv/tab/test � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
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