Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Virology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
EPAN
Test Code (Numeric Code)
8828
Laboratory Handling
Registration
EPAN
Laboratory
Ocular specimens: eye swab, corneal scrape, aqueous tap and vitreous fluid, should be sent to the Molecular Infectious Diseases section during normal working hours, Monday to Friday (08:00–16:00). After hours and on weekends, store specimens at 2–8°C in the designated box/rack in ALSS.
Sample Stability
Ocular specimens: eye swab, corneal scrape, aqueous tap and vitreous fluid: Stable ambient for up to 24 hours and at 2–8°C for up to 7 days.
Synonyms
Eye Panel PCR,
Viral Conjunctivitis Panel PCR
Eye Viral PCR Panel
Turnaround Time
2 days
Urgent problems, please contact virologist.
Specimen Type
- Corneal Scraping
- Eye Swab
- Vitreous Fluid
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Swab - Viral PCR
- Syringe
Acceptable
- Please refer to Additional Information below
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Swab - Viral PCR
Acceptable
- Please refer to Additional Information below
- Swab - Viral PCR
Additional Specimen Information
Sample requirements:
Eye swab collected in UTM/VTM.
Corneal scrape collected in UTM/VTM.
Aqueous tap: 0.5 mL. Absolute minimum - 200 µL.
Vitreous fluid: 0.5 mL. Absolute minimum - 200 µL.
Last updated: 30/08/2026