Viral Tests
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: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: July 27, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease | |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Test Overview | |
 | Why It Is Done |
| How To Prepare | |
| How It Is Done | |
| How It Feels | |
| Risks | |
| Results | |
| What Affects the Test | |
| What To Think About | |
| References | |
| Credits | |