Isolation of Ebola virus

Isolation of Ebola virus.

Whole blood is preferred.

Collect in EDTA tubes, can submit as aliquots in sterile 1.5-2.0 mL tube.

Store samples refrigerated or frozen until shipped for testing. Ship frozen samples on dry ice, and refrigerated samples on wet ice

Store samples in refrigerator or frozen until being shipped for testing. Ship frozen specimens on dry ice and refrigerated samples on wet ice. Shipping of samples suspected of containing Risk Group 4 pathogens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. If applicable, activate Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) 24 hours prior to shipping. Follow the Flow Chart to activate ERAP or call 204-999-7996 (available 24/7) for assistance.

Fever and travel to filovirus endemic areas or contact to travellers from these areas.

Completed Special Pathogens requisition including sender name, address and telephone number. Patient information including name or identifier, date of birth, and all relevant patient history including clinical diagnosis, underlying diseases, exposure risk and travel history. Indicate type of specimen collected and all specimen information. Select all required tests. If possible, attach lab results that have already been done at local or provincial laboratories.

All patient history must be included; sample without adequate patient history to justify testing are subject to rejection. Contact Special Pathogens prior to submission of sample to ensure appropriate shipping documentation is generated.

For diagnosis of filovirus infection to be confirmed, one or more of the following diagnostic markers must be positive: (i) presence of filovirus-specific IgM or rising titers of IgG, (ii) presence of filovirus RNA by PCR, (iii) isolation of filovirus, (iv) detection of viral antigen by ELISA.

Initial results within 48 hours.