Western equine encephalitis virus (Please notify laboratory if suspected)

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

Other Information

○ If submitting CSF, a paired serum must also be submitted.

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Whole blood/serum: clotted blood – serum separator tube
○ Plasma: EDTA-tube with non-heparin anticoagulant
○ CSF: sterile container

Collection Requirements

Whole blood/serum/plasma:
○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect at least 5 mL of blood
CSF:
○ Decontaminate skin, collect at least 0.5 mL of CSF for this test by lumbar puncture

Sample Stability

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery

Referral Laboratory

PHOL

Routine Turnaround Time

○ Serology: Up to 8 days
○ PCR: not a routine test, depends of the request

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4645

Approval Required

NO, except for molecular testing

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 specimens for PRNT and PCR to NML.