Virology / Serology
The Virology area of the NC State Laboratory of Public Health (NCSLPH) is a comprehensive virology laboratory providing testing to both the public health community and the private sector.
Viral Culture
Successful performance of virologic studies is in part dependent upon the cooperation of informed clinicians who will obtain proper specimens taken at the correct time during the patient’s illness and provide sufficient clinical information for the laboratory to select the appropriate test or tests. Virus culture provides a mechanism for the detection and identification of many human viruses which cause a wide variety of common illnesses. Culture systems employed include, but are not limited to, assorted cell cultures. The SLPH Virus Culture unit is capable of isolating and identifying most Biological Safety Level I through III viruses that can be propagated in conventional cell culture.
- More About Viral Culture
- Testing Services (PDF, 12.6 KB)
Rabies Virus
The Virology area of the NCSLPH is the sole source for diagnostic rabies testing in North Carolina. This service is available to all health care providers within the state. Only animals that have potentially exposed a person, household pet or livestock to rabies should be submitted. Exposure is defined as a bite or contamination of scratches, abrasions, open wounds or mucous membranes with infectious saliva. Individuals wishing to submit small rodents, rabbits or surveillance animals must receive prior approval from either the Laboratory or the State Public Health Veterinarian. Submission of specimens for rabies testing must meet the established testing criteria. Specimens submitted for testing that fail to meet the testing policy will be rejected and destroyed.
To contact the Virology branch of the N.C. State Labortories, call (919)733-7544.
See also:
- About Virology / Serology
- Chlamydia
- HIV
- Hepatitis
- Syphilis
- Special Serology
- CDC Referral
- Arbovirus
- Norovirus
