Chikungunya virus (Please notify laboratory if suspected)

Detection of Chikungunya virus nucleic acids or antibodies
Microbiology
Virology
○ Whole blood, serum, plasma ○ CSF (PCR only)
Other Information
○ Molecular testing for Chikungunya virus will include testing for two additional arboviruses Zika and Dengue
○ Pregnancy status, travel history to endemic areas (including dates) and date of collection of samples within 14 days of symptom onset should be indicated on the requisition.
○ Whole blood/serum: Serum separator tubes
○ Plasma: EDTA blood
○ CSF: Sterile container

Whole blood/serum/plasma:
○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect at least 5 mL of blood.

CSF:
○ Decontaminate skin, collect at least 0.5 mL of CSF for this test into a sterile container. Collect appropriate amount of CSF for each additional test requested.

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
PHOL
○ Molecular: Up to 5 days, longer if supplemental testing required
○ Serology: Up to 8 days
416-586-4800 extension 4466
○ YES; please notify laboratory if agent is suspected
○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

○ Specimens should be stored at refrigeration temperature (2-8˚C) and transported ASAP to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory after collection.

○ The specimen will be referred to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing