
Eastern Equine Encephalitis – Serology
Specimen Requirements
Test Requested | Required Requisition(s) | Specimen Type | Minimum Volume | Collection Kit |
Eastern Equine Encephalitis |
Blood or Serum2 |
5.0 ml blood or 1.0 ml serum |
Clotted blood - vacutainer tubes (SST) for serum4 |
|
Eastern Equine Encephalitis |
Plasma (or serum) in EDTA3 |
1.0 ml plasma or serum |
Plasma with non-heparin anticoagulant (or serum), CSF |
|
Eastern Equine Encephalitis |
CSF (must be preapproved by PHOL microbiologist)3 |
400 µl |
Sterile container |
Submission and Collection Notes
Include all symptoms, onset date, and relevant travel history on the requisition.
Test performed will be serology (see test methods for details).
Molecular testing will be performed on these samples and must be approved by a PHO microbiologist; healthcare provider must contact PHO Laboratory prior to submitting sample.
Centrifuge prior to submission if using SST.
Limitations
Haemolysed, icteric, lipemic or microbially contaminated sera or plasma are not recommended for testing.
Preparation Prior to Transport
Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.
Special Instructions
Specimens should be stored at 2-8ºC following collection and shipped to the PHOL on ice packs. Specimens for molecular testing should be frozen and shipped on dry ice.
Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)
Serology testing is performed Monday to Friday. Turnaround time is up to 8 days from receipt at PHO Laboratory.
Molecular testing is referred to the National Microbiology Laboratory. Turnaround time is up to 28 days from date of receipt at PHO Laboratory.
Reporting
Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.
Positive results from patients with encephalitis are also reported to the Medical Officer of Health as per Health Protection and Promotion Act.
The Eastern Equine Encephalitis serology testing is performed using a Hemagglutination Inhibition Assay for the detection of antibodies to Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus.
Specimens for molecular testing by RT-PCR are forwarded to the National Microbiology Laboratory.
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