Detection of Dengue virus nucleic acids or antibodies
Microbiology
Serology
Whole blood, serum, plasma
○ CSF (PCR only)
Other Information
○ Molecular testing for Dengue virus will include testing for two additional arboviruses Zika and Chikungunya ○ 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. ○ All four serogroups of dengue virus (1-4) can be detected but are not distinguished by the assay.
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 4484
YES
○ 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