Diagnostic Methods of Viral Exanthemas in Children

Abstract

To diagnose a causing agent of viral infections in clinical practice we can use a number of laboratory diagnostic methods and procedures. With different pathogens we use different methods. What is important is a quality of collected biological samples, time of delivery of samples to the laboratory (one hour is the best), appropriate transport in cooling box and proper medium for virological examination. Body sites and collection methods vary according to the type of infection and viral etiology. We have to take into consideration a stage of infection, incubation period, beginning of clinical appearance and dynamic of immune response. Storage temperature of samples depends on type of biological material and used medium and of course time you need to store the sample. Each type of biological sample, such as nasopharyngeal swab tampons, cerebrospinal fluid, content of skin blisters, skin biopsies, scabs, urine samples, stool samples and blood fractions such as leukocytes, plasma or sera, requires specific way of storage and transport. We introduce a review of the most commonly used diagnostic techniques in viral infections: