Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Virology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
EPAN
Test Code (Numeric Code)
8828
Laboratory Handling
Transport
Room temperature (RT): same-day transport at RT is acceptable.
Laboratory
Ocular specimens: eye swab, corneal scrape, aqueous tap and vitreous fluid, should be sent to the Molecular Infectious Diseases section at ambient temperature on the day of collection during normal working hours, Monday to Friday (08:00–16:00). After hours and on weekends, specimens should be stored 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 at room temperature 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
Specimen Type
- Corneal Scraping
- Eye Swab
- Vitreous Fluid
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Swab - Viral PCR
Acceptable
- Please refer to Additional Information below
- Swab - Viral PCR
- Syringe
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: 29/08/2026