Florida Bureau of Public Health laboratories
Ebolavirus, RT-PCR
BPHL utilizes the BioFire’s FDA approved panel to provide qualitative results utilizing a molecular detection reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method to detect Ebolavirus spp.
Analyte(s)
Ebolavirus spp.
Test Code
9747
Testing Location
Jacksonville Laboratory
Please contact a BT Coordinator with any questions.
Testing Department
BT
Pre-approval Required?
Yes. Requires prior approval from regional epidemiology and notification to the testing lab.
Contact the local county health department (CHD) to start the process for approval.
If after hours or a holiday, use the 24/7 Epi on call number at 850-245-4401.
Required Forms
BPHL Test Requisition, DH1847 – Add test requested in additional information section.
AND
Ebola Sample Checklist
Include all required fields, who authorized the testing, onset date, collection date, travel history, and symptoms.
Turn around Time
24 hours after receipt at the laboratory
All positive samples are preliminary and samples are sent to the CDC for confirmation
Minimum Volume
At least 0.2 mL of whole blood. At least 1mL is preferred
Unsatisfactory specimen
1. Incorrect specimen collection device was used
2. Specimen was received too old for testing
3. Quantity not sufficient (QNS)
4. Specimen was not labeled with at least 2 unique patient identifiers
5. Information on specimen does not match requisition/test order
6. Specimen leaked in transit
7. Specimen was received out of the acceptable temperature range
Collection Media
Lavender/purple top EDTA tubes
Specimen Sources
2 lavender/purple EDTA tubes with whole blood, not spun/separated.
Specimen Labeling
Specimen must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, e.g., name and DOB, and the date of collection.
Information on the specimen must match the requisition and/or test order.
Special SPecimen Preparation
Two lavender/purple EDTA tubes with whole blood should be collected. The specimens should not be spun/separated after collection.
Specimens should be delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible after you obtain approval.
Notify the laboratory after you obtain approval that you are sending specimen(s) for testing. Provide the tracking number if being shipped or estimated time of arrival for specimens that are couriered.
Please contact a BT coordinator with any questions.
Storage Conditions
Specimens can be stored at 2-8° C after collection. It is strongly recommended to send samples as soon as possible after you obtain approval but within 4 days of collection.
Packaging and Shipping
Packages should be labeled as “ATTN: BT LAB”. Packages with ebola specimens should not contain specimens for other test orders.
Specimens should be shipped overnight refrigerated using frozen ice packs at 2-8° C. You must select “Saturday delivery” on packages shipped on Friday.
Couriered samples must be transported in a cooler with frozen ice packs to arrive at the laboratory between 2-8° C. Laboratory staff will check the temperature of the cooler upon arrival before accepting specimens.
Interferences and Limitations
Bleach can damage organisms/nucleic acids within the specimen, potentially causing false negative results. Contact between bleach and specimens during collection, disinfection, and testing procedures should be avoided.
Reference Range
Not detected
Result Indicator
Detected
Inconclusive
Not detected
Reference lab
All positive samples are preliminary and samples are sent to the CDC for confirmation
Reflex testing
None