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VIRAL AND RICKETTSIAL DISEASE LABORATORY

Test Order
Ebola Virus Detection – PCR

​​Information Category
​Information Detail
​Pre-Approval
​PRIOR APPROVAL IS REQUIRED TO SHIP THESE SAMPLES FOR TESTING. 

CDPH and CDC must approve testing before specimens are collected. VRDL will not test any unapproved suspect Ebola specimens. Contact your local public health department for pre-approval information. CDPH Ebola contacts are listed below.

Submitters must coordinate deliveries with CDPH before shipping. VRDL will not test any suspect Ebola specimens that are received without prior coordination and tracking information.
​Supplemental Information Requested
​Contact your local public health department for requested supplemental information​
​Submittal Forms
​The three following forms are required:
  1. VRDL General Purpose Specimen Submittal Form (PDF)
  2. CDC Infectious Disease (CDC Form 50-34, VRDL version) provided by your local health department
​Methodology
​FilmArray NGDS Warrior Panel (CDC/LRN/FDA 510(k) cleared) (Diagnostic)
​Reflex Testing
​Samples that test presumptive positive will be referred to the CDC for additional testing
​Acceptable Specimen Type(s) and Collection Method
​Human Specimens:
  • ​Whole blood: plastic (not glass) EDTA (lavender top) tubes​
​Minimum Volume Required
​Submitters should collect two (2) tubes of whole blood, each containing a minimum of 4 mL preserved with EDTA (lavender top tubes)
​Transport Medium
​None
​Specimen Labeling
​Each specimen tube must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, e.g., patient full name and date of birth.
​Storage & Preservation of Specimen / Shipping Conditions

  • ​Whole blood: refrigerate specimens promptly after collection. Do not freeze whole blood.

Ship refrigerated specimens to VRDL on cold packs. 
​Shipping Instructions
​Work with your local public health department to ensure samples are packaged according to instructions for Biological Substance – Category A (UN 2814) shipment. 

Ship specimens and a hard copy of the completed submittal forms to:     
CDPH VRDL 
ATTN: Specimen Receiving VRDL-X 
850 Marina Bay Parkway 
Richmond, CA 94804 
Phone: 510-307-8585
​
Submitters must coordinate deliveries with CDPH before shipping. VRDL will not test any suspect Ebola specimens that are received without prior coordination and tracking information.
​​Turnaround Time
​48 hours
​Limitations

​This is a presumptive assay. If a sample is positive the sample will be submitted to CDC for additional evaluation. 
Negative results do not preclude infection with Ebola virus and should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis, treatment, or other patient management decisions. 

If the patient’s symptoms have been present for <3 days, a second sample collected 72 hours after onset of symptoms is required to definitively rule out Ebola.
​Additional Information

​VRDL Points of Contact

​

​Medical and Epidemiology Liaisons: (510) 307-8585

Clinical Consultation: CDPH Infectious Disease Branch (510) 620-3434 (during business hours) or CDPH Duty Officer (916) 328-3605 (after hours)​

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