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Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory

Test Order​​
Rubella Virus Detection - PCR​

Information Category Information Detail
Pre-Approval None
Supplemental Information Requested Requested: Travel history, rash onset date, symptoms, vaccination history, contacts to known case(s)
Submittal Form 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 Real-time RT-PCR (LDT) (Diagnostic)
Reflex Testing Genotyping
Acceptable Specimen Type(s) and Collection Method Human specimens:
  • ​​Nasopharyngeal  Swab, and/or Throat (Oropharyngeal) Swab in sterile collection tube with liquid viral or universal transport media 
Swabs must be a Dacron or synthetic tip with aluminum or plastic shaft

Other respiratory specimen types may be considered. Please contact the Medical and Epidemiology Liaisons for consultation.
Minimum Volume Requested

​​Respiratory swab: 2–3 mL of Universal or Viral Transport Medium
Transport Medium (if using) Respiratory swabs: 2–3 mL of Universal or Viral Transport Medium
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
  • Respiratory swabs: freeze or refrigerate specimens promptly after collection. ​

Ship refrigerated specimens to VRDL on cold packs. Ship frozen specimens to VRDL on dry ice.
Shipping Instructions

Work with your local public health department to ensure samples are packaged according to instructions for Biological Substance – Category B (UN 3373) shipment.

Ship specimens and a hard copy of the completed submittal forms to: 

CDPH VRDL
ATTN: Specimen Receiving
850 Marina Bay Parkway
Richmond, CA 94804
Phone: 510-307-8585
Turnaround Time 2 Business days
Limitations Negative results do not preclude the possibility of infection
Additional Information Specimens should be collected as close to onset as possible.
VRDL Points of Contact

Medical and Epidemiology Liaisons: (510) 307-8585 or VRDL.submittal@cdph.ca.gov​​​
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