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Molecular Detection of Snowshoe Hare Virus by Reverse Transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR)

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Requisition Forms

Reference Details

Description:

Molecular detection of snowshoe hare (SSH) virus by reverse transcriptase PCR.  

Test Category:
Molecular Detection
Pathogen:
Snowshoe hare virus
Illnesses and Diseases:
  • Encephalitis
Specimen:

Serum is the preferred specimen; however testing may also be performed on plasma or cerebral spinal fluid (CSF).  Other bodily fluids and tissues may be considered for testing, please contact the Viral Zoonoses laboratory to verify suitability. Minimum volume of 600 µl.

Collection Method:

Collect blood in serum separator tubes – submit in 2 ml O-ring tube.  

Specimen Processing, Storage and Shipping:

Store samples frozen until shipped for testing. Ship samples on dry ice.

Transportation of Dangerous Goods:

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

 

Patient Criteria:

Suspected infection with a California serogroup virus.

Accompanying Documentation:

Completed Viral Zoonoses requisition including sender laboratory name, address and telephone number. Patient name and / or identifier (specimen reference number), date of birth, test(s) requested, collection date of specimen, date of on-set of symptoms, type of specimen, and clinical and travel history of patient.

Comments:

This is not a routine test.  RT-PCR on serum or CSF is not a sensitive test for the California serogroup viruses. Please contact the Viral Zoonoses laboratory before sending specimens or requesting this test.

This test is considered investigational as it has not been extensively validated or verified.

Methods and Interpretation of Results:

Testing is performed, in whole or in part, using a lab-developed test which has not been fully validated/verified due to a lack of well-characterized panel.

Snowshoe hare virus/California serogroup virus real-time RT-PCR based on TaqMan chemistry. Three separate singleplex assays are performed targeting the nucleocapsid protein; any reactive results will be interpreted on an individual basis.

Turnaround Time:

Please contact the laboratory for the turnaround time.

Contact:
Phone #: (204) 789-7037
Fax: (204) 789-2018
References:
  1. Wang, H., Nattanmai S., Kramer, L.D., Bernard, K.A., & Tavakoli, P. (2009). A duplex real-time RT-PCR assay for the detection of California serogroup and Cache Valley viruses.Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease, 65(2), 150-157.  
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