Powassan virus (Please notify laboratory if suspected)
| Detection of Powassan virus nucleic acids or antibodies | |
| Microbiology | |
| Serology | |
| ○ Whole blood (serology) ○ Serum (serology or PCR) ○ Plasma (PCR) ○ CSF (PCR) |
Other Information
○ If submitting CSF, a paired serum sample must also be provided.
○ For serology, acute and convalescent sera should be collected. For PCR, collect specimen early in the course of illness.
○ For serology, acute and convalescent sera should be collected. For PCR, collect specimen early in the course of illness.
○ Whole blood/serum: serum separator tube (clotted blood) (min volume 5 mL)
○ Plasma: EDTA-blood tube without heparin (min volume 1 mL)
○ CSF: sterile container (0.6 mL)
○ Plasma: EDTA-blood tube without heparin (min volume 1 mL)
○ CSF: sterile container (0.6 mL)
CSF:
○ Decontaminate skin, collect at least 0.6 mL of CSF by lumbar puncture (second or third tubes will go to Microbiology depending on which is less contaminated/bloody)
Whole blood/serum/plasma:
○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect at least 5 mL of blood.
○ Decontaminate skin, collect at least 0.6 mL of CSF by lumbar puncture (second or third tubes will go to Microbiology depending on which is less contaminated/bloody)
Whole blood/serum/plasma:
○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect at least 5 mL of blood.
Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
PHL
○ Molecular testing: on special request
○ Serology: Up to 8 days; 14 more days for confirmation of positive specimens
○ Serology: Up to 8 days; 14 more days for confirmation of positive specimens
416-586-4800 extension 4432
YES (PCR)
○ Label specimen container and outer biohazard specimen bag
with printed electronic laboratory order sticker. Place specimens in biohazard bag, seal
○ Specimens should be transported to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory ASAP after collection at refrigeration temperature (2-8˚C).
○ The specimen will be referred to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing
with printed electronic laboratory order sticker. Place specimens in biohazard bag, seal
○ Specimens should be transported to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory ASAP after collection at refrigeration temperature (2-8˚C).
○ The specimen will be referred to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing