Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Immediately following collection, mix sample thoroughly by gently inverting 5 times

1. Allow sample to clot for a minimum of 30 minutes
2. Within one hours of sample collection, centrifuge at 800-1600xg at room temperature 
3. Transfer serum to a Screw-cap polypropylene frozen transport vial/tube - 4mL (LabCorp), labelled as serum
4. Freeze

Screw-cap polypropylene frozen transport vial/tube - 4mL (LabCorp)

Plasma:

Lavender (EDTA), 4mL

Yellow ACD (A or B)

CSF:

Sterile vial

Lavender or yellow:

Immediately after collection, mix tube thoroughly by gentle inversion, 8 - 10 times, to prevent clotting

Lavender or yellow (plasma):

1. Within one hour of sample collection, centrifuge at 800-1600xg at room temperature to separate plasma from the cells.
2. Transfer plasma to a Screw-cap polypropylene frozen transport vial/tube - 4mL (LabCorp) labeled as the appropriate plasma type
3. Freeze

CSF: 

Freeze

Plasma:

Screw-cap polypropylene frozen transport vial/tube - 4mL (LabCorp)

CSF:

Sterile vial

Frozen (strict)

• PCR testing cannot be added on to a sample that has been opened and/or used for other testing. If the sample has already been used for testing, a new specimen will need to be collected.

UltraQual™ Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Negative

The direct detection of WNV is a valuable tool in determining whether a patient is infected with West Nile Virus. It is also useful in determining whether blood and blood products are free of detectable WNV prior to distribution. PCR is able to directly detect WNV RNA and does not rely on antibody markers of WNV infection, which are produced after RNA is detectable in newly infected individuals.