A viral culture is a common laboratory test in which a small sample of tissue or fluid that may be infected is collected and placed in a container along with cells in which a virus can grow. If a virus grows in the culture, it causes changes in the cells that can be seen under a microscope, and the virus can be identified.
It may take several weeks for a viral culture to grow and be tested. Then it may help a doctor learn the cause of an infection.
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
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