Public Health and Environmental Laboratories

Harvest Order Choice: 90610 (Animal), 90600 (Human), 90620 (Both), 90630 (None), 90640 (Unknown)

Synonyms: N/A

Program: Virology

Unit: Rabies

Useful For: Determining the presence of rabies virus in brain tissue, emergency testing needs CDS approval

Method: Direct fluorescent antibody

Charge: $78.00

Request Form: VIR-16

Container/ Tube: Leakproof container (heavy plastic wrap placed in sealed container)

Type: Brain tissue or head of suspected rabid animal

Volume: N/A

Collection Instructions: Remove head of animal within 5 days of bite or exposure

Storage: Specimens should be stored at 4º C and transported to the laboratory on cold packs

Causes for Rejection: Specimens where brain tissue is damaged, decomposed, or destroyed

Interpretation: Direct staining of viral inclusions with specific anti-rabies virus fluorescent conjugate is indicative of infection with rabies virus.

Normals/ Reference Interval: Negative, No evidence of rabies virus based on direct fluorescent antibody microscopy

Limitations: The efficacy of the direct fluorescent antibody test is strongly affected by the condition of the specimen. Decomposition severely diminishes the sensitivity of the test. Negative results on decomposed tissues cannot justify decisions against treatment of an exposed individual. A health professional should be consulted in these instances

Availability: Mon- Fri, Emergency testing requires approval from the Department of Health’s Division of Epidemiology, Environmental and Occupational Health’s Communicable Disease Service