Rabies Virus
Clinical Specimen Submission Guidance
Submit all specimens to 150 Richmond Street, Suite 100, Providence, RI 02903. Open Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Learn how and where to drop off your lab samples at our Laboratory Central Services webpage.
Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory 401-222-5586
Rabies Virus
Rabies
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).
Contact the RISHL Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory (401) 222-5586 for detailed instructions on specific specimens, collection methods and transport conditions
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
CDC Possible Human Rabies - Patient Information Form
CDC Send-out
Write "CDC Rabies Testing" under Comments/Other Test Requests
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.
The following rejection criteria will be used to ensure accurate specimen information and specimen condition for testing:
- Specimen received outside acceptable transport range
- Demographics different / Unable to read identifiers on specimen
- Two identifiers required on specimen
- Expired / Incorrect collection kit
- Insufficient quantity
- Urine cup received
- No specimen received
- Specimen leaked in transit
- Test not evaluated in adolescents <14
- Specimen too old
No rabies virus detected
Providers must report patient information on Rabies immediately using the RIDOH reportable disease form.
Testing performed at CDC : 7 days
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.