Zika PCR
Clinical Specimen Submission Guidance
Submit all specimens to 50 Orms St, Providence RI 02904. Open Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
STI & Arbovirus Laboratory 401-222-5591
Zika virus
Zika Virus Infection (Zika)
Testing performed at CDC
PCR: Reverse transcriptase (RT)-Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR); real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR)
Serology: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoglobulin (Ig) M, Microsphere immunoassay (MIA) IgM
PREAUTHORIZATION by the RIDOH Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology (401) 222-2577 is required prior to transporting specimens.
All specimens must be submitted to CDC through State Health Departments and not submitted directly to CDC.
All specimens should be acute (0-7 days post onset date).
Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are acceptable for PCR and serology testing.
Serum: collect blood in a serum separator tube, spin, pour off serum and submit >=2.0 mL in a sterile screw-capped plastic tube.
CSF: collect specimen in a clean, dry, leak-proof container
The following are only accepted for PCR testing when accompanied by a matching serum:
Urine: >=2.0 mL in a sterile screw capped plastic tube
CSF: >= 0.5 mL in a sterile screw capped plastic tube
Immediately store specimens at 2° - 8°C.
If specimen cannot be transported to RISHL within 24 hours, then the specimen should be frozen at or below -20°C.
CLIA regulations require specimens be labeled with at least two patient identifiers. Examples of identifiers are first and last name, date of birth, chart/medical record number. The specimen container must be labeled to match the test requisition or the electronic order.
Rhode Island State Health Laboratories (RISHL) test requisition form https://health.ri.gov/forms/LabRequisitionForm.pdf
CDC 50.34 Form is required for testing
Zika PCR
Zika Serology
Transport specimens as soon as possible. Must be received within 4 days of collection.
Contact the RISHL STI & Arbovirus lab (401) 222-5591 prior to transport.
Refrigerated: Transport and deliver to the laboratory within 24 hours of collection at 2-8°C in a cooler able to maintain specimen temperature. A plug-in electric cooler is recommended, however, a cooler packed with excess frozen gel packs is acceptable as long as the transport temperature is maintained at 2-8°C.
Frozen: If specimen previously frozen, it must be transported on frozen gel packs in insulated shipper.
Specimens must be transported and packaged in accordance with current federal shipping regulations.
Hemolysis can affect the test results
Negative for Zika virus
Providers must report patient information on Zika Virus Infection immediately using the RIDOH reportable disease form.
PCR = CDC 2 weeks
Molecular testing is typically performed once a week but will take longer to have results interpreted and reported to state health departments
Serology = 4 weeks
Turnaround time is impacted by whether the specimen tests positive for immunoglobulin (Ig)M antibodies, as all IgM positive specimens will have plaque reduction neutralization tests performed.
Containers specifically labeled for transport of specimens and isolates to the RISHL STI & Arbovirus Laboratory are available in all serology labs and send out departments.