Virus isolation; tissue culture, additional studies or definitive identification (eg, hemabsorption, neutralization, immunofluorescence stain), each isolate
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Virus Isolation; Tissue Culture, Additional Studies or Definitive Identification (e.g., Hemabsorption, Neutralization, Immunofluorescence Stain), Each Isolate
Summary
Virus isolation with tissue culture involves growing a virus in a controlled lab environment using patient samples. This process allows for the study and identification of the virus through additional techniques like hemabsorption, neutralization, and immunofluorescence staining.
Purpose
Medical Conditions:
Used to diagnose viral infections and confirm suspected viral pathogens.
Goals:
To identify and characterize viruses for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Indications
Symptoms:
Unexplained fevers, respiratory issues, or other signs of viral infections.
Criteria:
Patients with suspected viral infections where identification is crucial for treatment planning.
Preparation
Pre-procedure Instructions:
Patients may need to provide specific samples (e.g., blood, tissue, swabs).
Assessments:
Relevant medical history and possible preliminary diagnostic tests.
Procedure Description
- Sample Collection: Patient samples (e.g., blood, tissue) are collected.
- Culture Initiation: Samples inoculated onto growth media in tissue culture flasks.
- Incubation: The cultures are monitored under specific conditions to allow virus growth.
- Additional Studies: Techniques like hemabsorption tests, virus neutralization, or immunofluorescence staining are employed to identify the virus.
- Result Interpretation: Identification and characterization of the virus from the cultures.
Tools:
Culture flasks, growth media, microscope, staining reagents.
Anesthesia:
Not applicable.
Duration
Typically takes several days to weeks, depending on the virus growth rate and identification complexity.
Setting
Performed in specialized microbiology or virology laboratories within hospitals or research centers.
Personnel
Medical laboratory technicians, virologists, and pathologists.
Risks and Complications
Risks:
Minimal as it involves sample handling rather than direct patient intervention.
Complications:
Low risk; however, potential for sample contamination or misidentification exists.
Benefits
Expected Benefits:
Accurate identification of the virus can guide appropriate treatment.
Timeline:
Results are typically available within days to weeks, speeding up treatment decisions.
Recovery
Not applicable as the procedure involves lab work, not a direct patient intervention.
Follow-up:
No specific follow-up required for the procedure itself.
Alternatives
Other Options:
Direct antigen tests, PCR (polymerase chain reaction), serological tests.
Comparison:
Alternatives may offer quicker results but might lack the comprehensive detail provided by virus culture and identification.
Patient Experience
During Procedure:
Patient involvement limited to sample collection; there's no direct discomfort from the isolation process.
After Procedure:
No discomfort or pain from the procedure itself; only standard care related to sample collection (e.g., slight discomfort from blood draw).