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Rabies Antibody (Immune Status Testing) (Southeast Michigan Only)

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB1231580, Beaker: XRABA, MDHHS: RABA

Department

Send Outs

Instructions

This test is not diagnostic. It is to determine immune status only.

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect (preferred specimen): One Gold-top SST tube.
Also acceptable: One plain Red-top tube.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to a plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 2.0 mL serum, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 1.0 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Hemolyzed specimens.
• Icteric specimens.
• Lipemic specimens.
• Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to a plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Transport: 2.0 mL serum, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 1.0 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 48 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 14 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 1 year

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Lansing, MI.

Performed

Varies.
Results available in 1-2 weeks.

Test Methodology

Rabies Fluorescent Focus Inhibition test.

Interpretation

By report.

Clinical Utility

This assay aids in the determination of immune status in vaccinated individuals (veterinarians and staff, animal control workers, police officers, etc.).

Contacts

Last Updated

11/15/2024