Diagnosis of Powassan virus infection. This test should be used for patients with at least 7 days of symptoms consistent with Powassan virus (POWV) infection and exposure history.

• This test should not be used as a screening procedure for the general population.
• This test should not be used as a "test of cure."

Red serum vial/tube, 5 mL

Immediately following collection, mix sample thoroughly by gentle inversion, 5 times

1. Allow sample to clot
2. Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection
3. Transfer serum to a (insert appropriate aliquot tube, using name from transport container tab), labelled as serum

Transfer vial/tube with cap - 12mL (LabCorp)

Refrigerated (preferred) - 14 days

Frozen - 30 days

• Gross hemolysis, lipemia, or icterus
• Heat inactivated specimen

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

Negative

Negative:

No antibodies to Powassan virus detected. Negative results may occur in samples collected too soon following infection, prior to the development of a robust immune response, or in immunocompromised patients.

Positive:

Antibodies to Powassan virus detected. Confirmatory testing through a local public health laboratory and/or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommended. False positive results may occur in patients with current or prior infection with other flaviviruses (West Nile virus, Zika virus, dengue virus, etc).