West Nile Virus Testing

2 x 4 mL gold top SST tubes
AND 2 x 4 mL lavender top EDTA tubes

Pediatric: 2 mL in SST tube
AND minimum 2 mL lavender top EDTA tube

If the samples will arrive at Provincial Lab within 6-8 hours of collection, transport tubes at room temperature.  If the samples will arrive at Provincial Lab from 8-24 hours of collection, transport on ice packs or cold pack to maintain temperature of 1-5ºC.  DO NOT freeze.

Submit completed Arbovirus Patient History form (available from Provincial Lab).

For West Nile Virus Investigations, Provincial Lab performs both Serology (on SST) and PCR (on EDTA) testing.

Refer to Provincial Laboratory Guide to Services http://www.provlab.ab.ca/guide-to-services.pdf.