Detection of antibodies against Lassa virus by ELISA
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Detection of antibodies to Lassa virus by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay.
- Lassa fever
Serum or plasma - minimum sample 0.5 mL.
Collect in serum (red top) or serum separator tubes (SST), centrifugation of serum tubes is not needed and should be avoided.
Store samples in refrigerator or frozen until being shipped for testing. Serum can be shipped refrigerated or frozen. Ship frozen specimens on dry ice and refrigerated specimens 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. To activate an ERAP, please click on the link below to access the transport flowchart for Risk Group 4 pathogens or call 204-999-7996 (available 24/7) for assistance.
Transport Flowchart for Risk Group 4 Pathogen(s)Symptomatic and travel to Lassa virus 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.
ELISA and isolation are non-routine tests for investigational purposes.
For diagnosis of Lassa virus infection to be confirmed, one or more of the following diagnostic markers must be positive: (i) presence of Lassa virus-specific antibodies, (ii) presence of Lassa virus RNA by PCR, and (iii) isolation of Lassa virus.
14 calendar days.