Clinical Virology

Virology is a rapidly changing field. Thus, the laboratory frequently modifies its test menu in order to keep abreast of current developments and provide the best services to our patients.

The Clinical Virology Laboratory performs molecular methods for viruses, serology for viruses, syphilis ( Treponema pallidum) and Toxoplasma gondii, as well as C. difficile testing. See complete lists of Tests Performed below.

Due to our ability to quickly offer laboratory-developed molecular tests, we have been able to respond rapidly to disease outbreaks, such as the 2009 influenza H1N1 and the COVID-19 pandemics, and the Mpox epidemic.

Our laboratory offers many tests not available in most hospitals or from commercial vendors. For example, the Clinical Virology Laboratory was the first non-reference laboratory in the U.S. to receive Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA for a High Complexity Molecular Based SARS CoV-2 Test and for several weeks early in the pandemic we were the only hospital in Connecticut with on-site testing. Subsequently, multiple commercial SARS CoV-2 RNA amplification tests have been added to our test menu.

The Virology Laboratory Director and Laboratory Manager are available by phone or email for consultations and questions.

Clinical Virology Teaching Rounds with a focus on laboratory diagnosis are one Tuesday a month. In addition, Clinical Virology Newsletters are available on line.

A table of seasonal virus activity is updated weekly.

Download full listing of all Virology Tests Performed (see above right)