Powassan virus (Please notify laboratory if suspected)

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Detection of Powassan virus nucleic acids or antibodies
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Serology
Specimen Type	○ 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.

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ 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)

Collection Requirements

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.

Sample Stability

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery

Referral Laboratory

PHL

Routine Turnaround Time

○ Molecular testing: on special request
○ Serology: Up to 8 days; 14 more days for confirmation of positive specimens

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4615

Approval Required

YES (PCR)

Sample Processing / Delivery

○ 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