Serum separated from the clot may be stored at 2°C to 8°Cup to 48 hours, but then must be frozen at -20°C or colder until used.                        

• At least two patient-specific identifiers required (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, Medical Record number)
• Three patient identifiers are preferred.
• Identifiers on specimen must exactly match submission form.
• Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen labeling guidelines available online here. 

• Ship according to Dangerous Goods Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49.
• Handle as infectious agent using universal precautions. 
• Triple contain in accordance with federal shipping regulations for infectious agents. 
  Additional forms & resources
• If specimens will arrive at the lab within 48 hours of collection, refrigerate at 2°C - 8°and ship overnight on cold packs.
• If specimens will arrive at the lab more than 48 hours after time of collection, freeze at -20°C or colder, and ship overnight on dry ice.
• Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen shipping guidelines online here.

7 working days

• Cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses is very common. Sera from patients infected with Japanese Encephalitis, Wet Nile, and/or Saint Louis viruses may give false positive results. 
• Repeated freezing and thawing of samples can cause antibody deterioration. 

• Insufficient quantity
• Unacceptable specimen type or source
• Improper shipping conditions
• Expired collection container
• Discrepancies between specimen label and submission form
• Incomplete, illegible, or missing submission form.

• Reactive samples will be forwarded to CDC for confirmatory testing by Plague Reduction Neutralization Test (PRNT).
• Minimum volume for CDC confirmation testing 0.5 mL.