Specimens are listed in order of preference by testing laboratory (AHDC, Cornell University)
1. Swab (Preferred)
Avian (WNV): cloacal, oropharyngeal, oral, choanal
Ratites (including emus, ostriches, greater rheas, southern cassowaries): fecal swab
Submit samples refrigerated (on ice pack) in leak-proof container with a few drops of saline or 1 mL of viral transport media added. Swab samples will be rejected if submitted in bacterial culture media.
2. Tissue, fresh
Avian (WNV): brain, heart and kidney are preferred. Other tissues may be acceptable when the preferred are not available: liver, spleen, bone marrow.
Avian (EEEV): brain
Equine (WNV/EEEV): brain
Submit samples refrigerated (on ice pack) in leak-proof container.
3. EDTA whole blood
Avian (WNV): EDTA whole blood in lavender top tube.
Equine (EEEV): EDTA whole blood in lavender top tube
Equine (WNV): EDTA whole blood can be used for antemortem diagnosis, however levels of viremia are low which decreases diagnostic sensitivity.
Note: For antemortem equid testing, please submit EDTA whole blood and serum. The WNV PCR and EEE PCR will be run on the whole blood and an IgM ELISA will be performed for WNV and EEE on serum (PCR and ELISA test fees will be applied). This is expected to increase the likelihood of diagnosing an active infection.
Submit samples refrigerated (on ice pack). Heparinized whole blood is not acceptable and will be rejected.
4. Cerebrospinal fluid
Equine (WNV/EEEV): CSF in leak-proof container.
Submit samples refrigerated (on ice pack).
5. Tissue, Fixed block
Avian, Equine: tissue blocks or scrolls are acceptable. Tubes containing 50-80 uM scrolls may be submitted in leak-proof container. An additional extraction fee will apply for any fixed tissue and extended TAT may apply due to additional processing time.
Submit sample without coolant.
6. Tissue, Fixed
Avian, Equine: fixed tissue may be submitted in leak-proof container. Additional fees will apply for embedding fixed tissue and for sample extraction. Extended TAT may apply due to additional processing time.
Submit sample without coolant.