Viral Tests

Viral Antibody Test, Viral Antigen Detection Test, Viral Culture

Why It Is Done

A viral test is done to:

• Find a viral infection that is causing symptoms.
• Check a person after exposure to a virus. For example, a viral test may be done after a health professional is accidentally stuck with a needle to see if he or she became infected with the virus.
• Find a viral infection in a potential blood donor to prevent the donation of infected blood.
• Find a viral infection in an organ to be transplanted.
• Test a pregnant woman who has a high risk of passing a serious viral infection on to her baby.
• Check if a person has immunity to a specific virus.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: June 12, 2008
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
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