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Public Health Regional Laboratory: Testing Services

West Nile Virus Antibody Testing

This testing service is available to health providers and clinics in Sonoma, Mendocino, and Lake counties.

Testing Method

West Nile Virus Antibody testing uses indirect immunoflorescence.

Specimens

West Nile Virus Antibody testing requires serum. CSF specimens will be forwarded to the California State Public Health Laboratory.

Specimen Collection

Collect 1 ml serum and 1 ml CSF.

Specimen Storage

Store the specimen in refrigeration at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius.

Specimen Transport

Specimens may be dropped off by courier at the laboratory during normal business hours.

Testing Results

Results are available 1 to 5 normal working days after receipt of specimen at the laboratory. A written report will be provided for all specimens received. Positive results will be phoned and/or faxed upon request. All samples are forwarded to the state laboratory for further testing.

CSF results are generally available in 1 to 2 weeks.

Specimen Submission Forms

Use the West Nile Virus Specimen Submittal form for submission.

Cost

Please call for current pricing.