Rabies - serology

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Serologic detection of antibodies to Rabies viruses
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Serology
Specimen Type	○ Whole blood ○ Serum ○ CSF

Other Information

○ Testing is only performed to determine immunity to rabies in those who have been previously vaccinated. PHOL does not perform diagnostic testing for rabies. Serum and CSF samples for diagnostic purposes are analyzed at NML.
○ For saliva, nuchal skin biopsy and post-mortem brain tissue rabies testing, contact CFIA in Ottawa: https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/rabies/EN/Documents/5_HUMAN%20SPECIMENS%20v1%202014.pdf

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Serum separator tube (min volume 5 mL)
○ CSF: sterile container (2 mL)

Collection Requirements

Blood:
○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect at least 5 mL of blood.
CSF:
○ Decontaminate skin, collect at least 2 mL of CSF by lumbar puncture.

Sample Stability

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery

Referral Laboratory

PHL

Routine Turnaround Time

○ Up to 7 days from receipt at PHO laboratory
○ Up to 30 days from receipt at NML

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4619

Approval Required

YES

Sample Processing / Delivery

○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and 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