Ross River Virus

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 turnaround time is up to 8 days and Molecular testing 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 Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to detect both IgG and IgM antibodies.

Molecular testing by RT-PCR is performed after approval by the PHO laboratory microbiologist.

All Ross River virus testing is performed at the National Microbiology Laboratory.