Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (including Ebola virus)

Molecular detection of viruses causing hemorrhagic fever (VHF) (including Ebola virus)
Microbiology
Serology
○ Whole Blood (min volume 2mL/tube, min volume 1mL for infants)
Other Information
○ Contact the UHN/SH microbiologist on call immediately when VHF is suspected and prior to collecting specimens. The microbiologist will provide guidance for test ordering (if indicated) and specimen collection.

○ Do not transport specimens by pneumatic tube system

○ The following viruses are tested: Zaire ebolavirus, Bundibugyo ebolavirus, Sudan ebolavirus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Lassa fever virus, Marburg virus, Rift Valley fever virus

○ All positives and indeterminate results will be confirmed by NML. All Sudan ebolavirus PCR will be performed in parallel at NML, regardless of results.
○ Lavender top (EDTA) tube (collect 2 tubes)
○ No glass containers/devices

○ Follow appropriate safety procedures including wearing proper personal protective equipment

○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect at least 2 mL of blood in 2 tubes for VHF.

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
PHOL
○ Specimens are tested STAT, result will be available ASAP
416-586-4800 extension 4642
YES; notify immediately before collecting specimens
○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

○ Specimen should be transported to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory at room temperature (20-25˚C) immediately after collection.

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