Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus

* Copie d'impression non contrôlée. Valide uniquement le jour de l'impression : 21 mai 2022.

Testing Indications

The Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis serology testing is no longer available at the National Microbiology Laboratory. Other cross reactive flavivirus ELISA’s can be performed at NML and PHOL. Serological or molecular testing can only be performed based on relevant clinical information and after approval by the PHO microbiologist and may be referred to the CDC in Fort Collins.

Specimen Collection and Handling

Specimen Requirements

Test Requested	Required Requisition(s)	Specimen Type	Minimum Volume	Collection Kit
Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE) serology	General Test Requisition	Whole blood or serum	5.0 ml blood or 1.0 ml serum	Clotted blood – vacutainer tubes (SST)
Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE) serology	General Test Requisition	Plasma	1.0 ml	Plasma with non-heparin anticoagulant (or serum)
Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE) serology	General Test Requisition	CSF	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

Preparation Prior to Transport

Centrifuge if using SST. Place specimen in a biohazard bag and seal. Serology specimens should be stored at 2-8°C following collection and shipped to the PHOL on ice packs.

Specimens for molecular testing should be frozen and shipped on dry ice.

Special Instructions

Instructions for using SST tubes are found in the document titled: LAB-SD-008, Blood Collection Using Serum Separator Tubes.

Requisitions and Kit Ordering

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

TAT is up to 28 days.

Reporting

Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition. Specimens that are positive for Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis are to be reported to the Medical Officer of Health as per Health Protection and Promotion Act.

Additional Information

All molecular testing must be preapproved by the PHOL microbiologist. Contact PHOL customer service at 416-235-6556 or 1-877-604-4567 to request approval.

* Copie d'impression non contrôlée. Valide uniquement le jour de l'impression : 21 mai 2022.

Contacter nos laboratoires

Centre de service à la clientèle

customerservicecentre@oahpp.ca

Mis à jour le 20 juill. 2020