Viral Tests: Why It Is Done
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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.
| Last updated: | June 12, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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