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VRDL Test Page - Ebola Virus PCR

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	Specimens must be accompanied with a hard copy of the completed VRDL General Purpose Specimen Submittal Form (PDF) or a form generated in the VRDL Lab Web Portal.
Methodology	BioFire® Global Fever Special Pathogens Panel (FDA 510(k) cleared) (Diagnostic)
Reflex Testing	Samples that test presumptive positive will be referred to the CDC for confirmatory 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	Specimens should be tested as soon as possible. If storage is required, samples can be held: At room temperature for up to 1 day (15-30ºC) Refrigerated for up to 7 days (2-8ºC). Do not send frozen specimens to VRDL. Ship refrigerated specimens to VRDL on frozen 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	2 business days
Limitations	This is a presumptive assay. If a sample is positive by testing at VRDL, then 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	CDPH Ebola Virus Disease Information CDC Guidance for VHF Clinical Specimen Packaging and Shipping
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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