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Rabies Virus

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

Lab

Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory 401-222-5586

Analyte Name

Rabies Virus

Disease

Rabies

Test Description

FOR HUMAN RABIES TESTING: PREAUTHORIZATION by the RIDOH Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology (401) 222-2577 prior to specimen collection and submission.

If testing is approved, human clinical specimens are sent from the RISHL Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory for testing at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Specimen

Contact the RISHL Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory (401) 222-5586 for detailed instructions on specific specimens, collection methods and transport conditions

 

Specimen Identification

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.

Form Required

Rhode Island State Health Laboratories (RISHL) test requisition form https://health.ri.gov/forms/LabRequisitionForm.pdf

CDC 50.34 Form is required

CDC Possible Human Rabies - Patient Information Form

Test Request

CDC Send-out

Write "CDC Rabies Testing" under Comments/Other Test Requests

Transport

Contact the RISHL Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory (401) 222-5586 prior to transport.

All specimens must be packaged in accordance with current federal shipping regulations.

 

Normal Value

No rabies virus detected

Reporting Requirement

Providers must report patient information on Rabies immediately using the RIDOH reportable disease form.

Turnaround Time

Testing performed at CDC : 7 days

Kit

Containers specifically labeled for transport of specimens and isolates to the RISHL Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory are available in all Microbiology Laboratories and Laboratory Send-out Departments.