Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Serum

Container/Tube: Gold-top serum gel tube

Specimen Volume: 3 mL (absolute minimum volume: 0.2 mL) serum.

Transport Temperature: Ambient

Collection Instructions: Specimen must be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. Forward promptly.

Note:

1. Onset date and whether early or late disease symptoms are present is required.

2. Indicate acute or convalescent and serum.

3. For specimens collected in locations or facilities other than a hosptial, Serum must be separated and removed from the cells within 2 hours of collection, no exceptions. Allow specimen to clot, then centrifuge.

Spinal Fluid

Container/Tube: Sterile vial

Specimen Volume: 3 mL (minimum volume: 1 mL) of spinal fluid

Transport Temperature: Ambient

Collection Instructions: Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

Note: 1. Onset date and whether early or late disease symptoms are present is required.

2. Indicate spinal fluid.

3. Label specimen appropriately (spinal fluid).