
Powassan Virus
Specimen Requirements
Test Requested | Required Requisition(s) | Specimen Type | Minimum Volume | Collection Kit |
Powassan virus serology |
Blood or serum |
5.0 ml blood or 1.0 ml serum |
Vacutainer tubes (SST) |
|
Powassan virus PCR |
Plasma or serum |
1.0 ml |
EDTA blood, plasma with non-heparin anticoagulant |
|
Powassan virus PCR |
CSF (must be preapproved by PHOL microbiologist) |
400 µl |
Sterile container |
Submission and Collection Notes
Molecular testing must must be preapproved by the PHO laboratory microbiologist. Contact PHO laboratory Customer Service at 416-235-6556 or 1877-604-4567 to request approval.
Complete the following on the General Test Requisition Form:
- relevant travel history
- onset date
- symptoms
Instructions for using SST tubes are found in the document titled: LAB-SD-008, Blood Collection using Serum Separator Tubes
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
Place specimen in biohazard bag and seal. Specimens should be stored at 2-8◦C following collection and shipped to the PHO laboratory on ice packs.
Specimens for molecular testing should be frozen and shipped on dry ice.
Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)
Serology is performed at PHO laboratory.
Turnaround time is up to 8 days from receipt by PHO laboratory.
Molecular testing is performed National Microbiology Laboratory after approval by the PHO laboratory microbiologist.
Turnaround time is up to 28 days from receipt by 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.
Serology is performed using a Hemagglutination Inhibition Assay for the detection of antibodies to Powassan Virus.
Molecular testing by RT-PCR is performed at the National Microbiology Laboratory after approval by the PHO laboratory microbiologist.
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