Eastern equine encephalitis virus

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Molecular detection of Eastern equine encephalitis virus and detection of antibodies
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Serology
Specimen Type	○ Whole blood (serology) ○ Serum (serology and PCR) ○ Plasma (PCR) ○ CSF (PCR)

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Whole blood/serum: clotted blood – serum separator tube (min volume 5 mL)
○ Plasma: EDTA-tube with non-heparin anticoagulant (min volume 5 mL)
○ CSF: sterile container (min volume 0.5 mL)

Collection Requirements

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

Sample Stability

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery

Referral Laboratory

PHOL

Routine Turnaround Time

○ Serology: Up to 8 days from receipt at PHO laboratory; PRNT confirmation 14 days after completion of HI
○ PCR: Up to 21 days upon receipt at NML

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4486

Approval Required

YES for PCR only

Sample Processing / Delivery

Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

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

○ The specimen will be referred to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing. PHOL will refer the specimen to NML for confirmation of positive.