Florida Bureau of Public Health laboratories
New World Hantavirus
This test is not performed at BPHL. Samples submitted to BPHL for Hantavirus testing, including Andes virus, will be forwarded to the CDC for testing.
Analyte(s)
Hantavirus
Test Code
2200
accepting Locations
Testing Department
Virology
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.
Required Forms
BPHL Test Requisition, DH1847
Under the Virology section of the DH1847, select “Other” and list “Hantavirus” as the test order.
Include all required fields, who authorized the testing, outbreak ID, onset date, collection date, travel history, and symptoms.
Turn around Time
3-10 business days after receipt at the laboratory.
Unsatisfactory specimen
1) Quantity not sufficient (QNS)
2) Specimen was not labeled with at least 2 unique patient identifiers
3) Information on specimen does not match requisition/test order.
4) Specimen leaked in transit
5) Specimen was received out of the acceptable temperature range
Minimum Volume
At least 1 mL of serum
Collection Media
Red or yellow/gold top SST
Specimen Sources
Serum
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
Notify BPHL.JacksonvilleVirology@FLHealth.gov, BPHL.TampaVirology@FLHealth.gov, or BPHL.MiamiVirology@FLHealth.gov 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.
Storage Conditions
Freeze as soon as possible after centrifugation and removal of serum from the clot.
Packaging and Shipping
Specimens must be shipped overnight at frozen on dry ice in a cooler box. You must select “Saturday delivery” on packages shipped on Friday.
Couriered samples must be transported in a cooler box with frozen ice packs to arrive at the laboratory frozen. Laboratory staff will check the temperature of the cooler upon arrival before accepting specimens.
Interferences and Limitations
Specimen warming or freeze thawing reduces sensitivity.
Reference Range
No virus detected
Result Indicator
Virus detected
No virus detected
Reference lab
CDC
Reflex testing
None