Virology / Serology - CDC Referral
Serologic tests for antibodies to some bacterial, fungal, parasitic, chlamydial,rickettsial and viral agents not performed at this laboratory are available from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia.
Specimen Acceptance Policy
Services are available to all health care providers. Only serum may be submitted for serologic testing. Specimens must be submitted through the State Laboratory of Public Health, Virology/Serology Branch in the same manner as those for special serology specimens. Specific requirements for specimen submission vary depending upon the nature of the infectious agent involved and the assay requested. In general, all specimens submitted to the State Laboratory to be forwarded to the CDC must include the patient's age, sex, the date of the onset of illness, pertinent history, and clinical information.
Specimens submitted for diagnostic testing labeled with incorrect patient identification information will not be tested. Patient identification includes full first and last name. Specimens which, for any reason, are deemed unsuitable or inappropriate for diagnostic testing will not be tested. Rejected specimens will be properly stored for seven days pending verbal and/or written notification of the submitter. Unless alternate arrangements are initiated by the submitter upon notification of specimen rejection, the specimen will be discarded at the end of the holding period.
Specimen Collection
To collect serum, draw blood into a red top vacuum tube allowing the tube to fill completely. Let stand for 30 minutes to ensure complete clotting of the blood. Centrifuge for 5-10 minutes at 1000-1500 xg. Transfer 3 mL of serum to a plastic screw capped vial. Hemolyzed, icteric, or lipemic serum may be unacceptable for certain serologic assays. Clearly label each vial of serum with the patient's name (first and last), and the date collected. Complete a DHHS Form #3445 specifying all required patient information and which infectious agents are suspected. Specimens sent to the CDC for testing also require a fully completed CDC form #50.34 or equivalent CDC form. This form is available from the Virology/Serology Branch and not the Laboratory Mailroom. The form is sent to the submitter upon receipt of a specimen requiring testing at the CDC. When the completed form is returned to the Virology/Serology Branch, both the form and the specimen are forwarded to the CDC for testing.
Specimen Shipping
Send the properly identified vials of patient sera and completed forms in the "Special Serology" (blue colored) mailing containers via the State Courier or U. S. Mail to:
State Laboratory of Public Health
306 N. Wilmington St.
PO Box 28047
Raleigh North Carolina 27611-8047
Courier #52-41-41
Specimens may be shipped refrigerated or at ambient temperature.
Serum transport tubes, blue colored specimen mailers, and DHHS Form #3445 are available from the Laboratory Mailroom, PO Box 28047, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-8047, telephone: (919) 733-7656.
Specimen Reporting
The average turn-around-time in which results can be expected back from the CDC is about three weeks. Interpretation of test results is included in the report, if sufficient clinical information was included on the submission form.
See also:
- About Virology / Serology
- Chlamydia
- HIV
- Hepatitis
- Syphilis
- Special Serology
- CDC Referral
- Arbovirus
- Norovirus
