Test Detail

 

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Rabies Virus - Animal Specimen Back to Test Directory
Test Description
  • Contact: Bacteriology (319) 335-4335
  • Test Request Form: Rabies
  • SHL OpenELIS Code: 827
Fluorescent antibody detection of rabies virus in animal brain tissue from possible or confirmed human exposure.
Performed Avg. Turnaround Time Method
Coralville, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F
 1 business days Direct Immunofluorescence Assay (DFA)
Fee CPT Code(s)
No charge. As of February 1, 2023 SHL will charge $25 for rabies testing performed on animals with no human exposure. 88346
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type: Submit animal specimen from possible or confirmed human exposure. Small animal (<1 lb): whole animal acceptable. Large animal (>1 lb): Brain and Brain Stem preferred. Testing is conducted on animal brain tissue.
Collection Instructions: Click here for complete collection instructions.

A completed Rabies Test Request Form MUST accompany the specimen to ensure proper specimen identification and tracking. The form must include:
  1. Type of Animal (i.e. cat, dog, bat)
  2. Name/age of persons exposed and/or owner (If person exposed is a minor, contact information is needed for the legal guardian.)
  3. Name, address, and 24-hour phone number for a veterinarian, physician, or public health practitioner
  4. Results WILL NOT be provided directly to the patient, guardian, or animal owner. They will only be released to the veterinarian, physician, or public health practitioner.
  5. Complete the section on the Test Request Form if you would like the results mailed to a second organization (such as your doctor's office or hospital, in addition to your veterinarian.)
    Temperature and Stability: Store specimens in the refrigerator until shipped. Specimens should be shipped on cold packs, NOT frozen, within 24 hours.
    Unacceptable Conditions: Deteriorated or damaged brain material. Missing essential brain parts needed for testing.
    Expected Results: Negative, Positive, Indeterminate, Unsatisfactory
    Shipping Instructions
    Call the laboratory prior to delivery during normal business hours to allow personnel to prepare for the specimen's arrival. Phone: 319-335-4335. Normal Business Hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Samples are not accepted outside of normal business hours. For urgent questions outside of normal business hours, call 319-335-4500 or 800-421-IOWA and ask to be connected with Rabies on-call staff.

    *CAUTION* An improperly packed or shipped animal may compromise the integrity of the brain material, rendering the specimen unsatisfactory for testing. Attach a completed Rabies Test Request Form to the specimen container. Placing the form in a separate plastic bag or liner may help to prevent it from becoming damaged or contaminated. Transport or ship to the Coralville location.

    DO NOT leave any animal specimen at the laboratory without handing it directly to an employee. Call the laboratory prior to departure to allow personnel to prepare for the specimen's arrival. A private vehicle is the most efficient means of delivery to the lab. Live bats should be euthanized by a veterinary clinic or brought directly to SHL in a locked hard sided container.
    Comments
    It is required to provide the name, address and 24-hour phone number for a medical provider (e.g., a physician, a veterinarian, or a public health practitioner). Test results will not be provided to the animal owner or patient. For questions determining human exposure, or in cases where a physician or veterinarian are not available, please contact Iowa Health and Human Services - Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology (CADE), 1-800-362-2736.