Why is this procedure done?
This test is done to find if you are infected with a kind of a germ called a virus. There are many kinds of viruses. They are easy to spread from person to person. Your doctor may order this test to: � �
- Learn whether or not you are sick with the flu or other kind of virus
- Decide the best treatment for you
- Find the cause of an unexplained fever or illness
- Learn about the exact kind of virus that you have
What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test.
- If the results are normal or negative, it means you likely do not have an infection caused by a virus. Sometimes, the doctors will say the culture has "no growth. " �
- If the results are not normal or positive, you may have an infection with a virus.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment. For many viruses, your doctor will only be able to treat your signs. Antibiotics do not treat viruses. The doctor will sometimes give antiviral drugs to treat your viral infection.
- If you are very 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.
- For many viral cultures, a lab technician will use a swab and insert it into your nose. Your nose is the usual site from where the culture comes. Sometimes, the lab technician will swab both sides of the nose or throat. This may be uncomfortable, but it will only last a few seconds.
- For other viral cultures, the doctor will swab fluid and cells from a sore.
- The swab will go into a bottle or tube partly filled with fluids. This bottle or tube goes to the lab. The lab keeps the bottle or tube in a special setting. Sometimes, a lab technician will swab your nose again the next day.
- Your blood or spinal fluid can also be sent for a viral culture.
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. The rapid test will give results in about 30 minutes. Others tests will take 3 days or more.
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. � �
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Eyes watering
- Sneezing
- Nose is irritated
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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Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �