Definition:
A viral culture is used to determine which virus is causing an infection. Because viruses can infect the brain, sometimes spinal fluid is sampled. Usually the specimen is taken from a vesicle that is beleived to be caused by a virus. Fluid from the vesicle or spinal fluid is sampled and sent to a special laboratory where the virus is grown in a special medium then identified. Viral cultures are usually performed to distinguish between varicella and herpes simplex viruses. It is also sometimes used in vaccinated patients to determine if a varicella-like infection is caused by a natural virus or by the vaccine.
