| (Microbiology) |
| Investigations | Arboviruses Arboviruses, including Dengue virus, Chikungunya virus, Zika virus, Japanese Encephalitis virus, Tick-borne encephalitis virus, West Nile virus, and many others, are an important cause of fever in the returned traveller. Febrile returning travellers should be discussed with the Infectious Diseases service. It is important not to forget malaria as a cause of fever in the returned traveller, and to perform an appropriate risk assessment for viral haemorrhagic fever and high consequence coronaviruses Serology Tests Geographic panels covering the key pathogens from different regions of the world can be performed by the Rare and Important Pathogens Laboratory in Porton Down. Molecular Tests Positive serology results can be confirmed with molecular tests if the sample was taken within the appropriate time frame |
Inform lab before sending | No, except for URGENT SAMPLES. Contact the laboratory on 0151 706 4410 to request urgent testing. | Specimen type | Clotted blood and edta should both be collected in acutely unwell patients. Depending on the specific circumstances, CSF or urine may also be required – please contact Infectious Diseases or the Virology laboratory if needed.
Serology Clotted blood: 5ml Clot activator and separation gel (GOLD CAPPED) container. Molecular EDTA: 4ml blood into a EDTA (LAVENDER CAPPED) container. Consider sending an additional EDTA blood sample to haematology for malaria, if appropriate. CSF: Collect at least 0.2ml using the CSF sample collection kit if available. A sterile container is a suitable alternative. Urine: Collected in a sterile leak-proof container. |
Ideal time to take specimen | Labelling requirements | click here | How to take the specimen | Transport to the laboratory | If transport is delayed then store at +4°C | Test Times | These samples are sent away to Porton Down | Turnround | Approximately 2 weeks. | Additional information | Please provide as much clinical detail as you can, including travel dates and destinations, as the choice of tests will be selected at Porton Down based on this information. |
| Additional Examination Requests | click here |