Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (Please notify laboratory if suspected)

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Molecular detection of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus or antibodies
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Serology
Specimen Type	○ Whole blood ○ Serum ○ Plasma ○ CSF

Other Information

○ CSF will only be tested if antibodies are present in the patient's serum

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Whole blood/serum: Clotted blood – vacutainer tubes
○ Plasma: with non-heparin anticoagulant
○ CSF: sterile container

Collection Requirements

CSF:
○ Decontaminate skin, collect at least 0.5 mL of CSF by lumbar puncture into sterile container

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

Serological or molecular testing can only be performed based on relevant clinical information and after approval by the PHO microbiologist and may be referred to the CDC in Fort Collins.

Routine Turnaround Time

○ Referred to CDC

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4641

Approval Required

YES

Sample Processing / Delivery

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

○ Specimen should be transported to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory at refrigeration temperature (2-8˚C) immediately after collection.

○ The specimen will be referred to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing. PHOL will refer the specimen to CDC in Fort Collins.