Skip Navigation LinksSin-Nombre-Virus-PCR

Viral And rickettsial Disease Laboratory

Test Order
Sin Nombre Virus (Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome) Detection - PCR 

Information CategoryInformation Detail
Pre-ApprovalPlease submit the Hantavirus Submittal Instructions and Case Report Form (PDF) to VRDLā€™s Medical and Epidemiology Liaisons at VRDL.Submittal@cdph.ca.gov for pre-approval.
Supplemental Information Requested
Contact VRDLā€™s Medical and Epidemiology Liaisons at (510) 307-8585 or VRDL.Submittal@cdph.ca.gov for requested supplemental information, including but not limited to animal or environmental exposure, disease onset date, clinical symptoms
Submittal Form
Submit specimens accompanied with both:
2. A hard copy of the completed VRDL General Purpose Specimen Submittal Form (PDF) or a form generated in the VRDL Lab Web Portal.
Methodology (Commercial Test Name or Laboratory Developed Test (LDT))Real-time RT-PCR (LDT)(Diagnostic)
Reflex TestingAfter negative results, samples may be reflexed to additional respiratory PCR assays to test for other agents. This does not apply for submissions outside of California.
Acceptable Specimen Type(s) and Collection Method

Human specimens:
  • ā€‹Serum:  
    • ā€‹Plain Red-Top Tubes: Serum collected in plain, red-top tubes must be separated and transferred to sterile, screw-cap tubes for storage and transport.
    • Serum Separator Tubes (SST): SST may be transported after centrifugation.
  • ā€‹ā€‹Plasma: Plasma may be separated from (specify anticoagulant type) whole blood and transferred to sterile, screw-cap tubes for storage and transport. 
  • ā€‹ā€‹Whole blood: EDTA (lavender top) tubes

Additional specimens may be tested if patient is deceased (Surveillance Use Only) please contact VRDLā€™s Medical and Epidemiology Liaisons at (510) 307-8585 or VRDL.Submittal@cdph.ca.gov for more information.ā€‹

Minimum Volume Requested
  • Serum: 1 mL
  • Plasma: 1 mL
  • Whole Blood in EDTA tubes: 5 mLā€‹
Transport Medium (if using)Not Applicable
Specimen LabelingEach 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
  • ā€‹Separated Serum: Refrigerate or freeze separated serum promptly after collection.
  • Serum Separator Tubes: Refrigerate, do not freeze.
  • Plasma: Refrigerate or freeze separated plasma promptly after collection.
  • Whole Blood: Refrigerate, do not freeze.
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 ā€“ 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 Time10 Business Days
LimitationsNegative result does not preclude the possibility of infection.
Additional Information
Specimens should be collected as close to onset as possible.
Since the incidence of HPS is rare in California, we recommend that you also submit a respiratory specimen for viral isolation and/or respiratory PCR assays to test for other agents that may be causing your patientā€™s illness.ā€‹
VRDL Points of Contact

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



ā€‹

ā€‹ā€‹
Page Last Updated :