Rabies, Blood - Saskatoon
Discipline
Microbiology
Overview
Description
Ordering recommendation
- See RRPL Compendium of Tests webpage to ensure specimen and requisition requirements are met prior to collection.
Test ordering requirements
Forms required
Specimen Information
Specimen types accepted
- Serum
Specimen collection container
- Preferred Collection Container: Gold (Gel) Tube 5.0 mL
- Alternative Collection Container: Red (Clot Activator) 4.0 mL
Required volume
- Optimal Volume: 8.5 mL
- Minimum Volume: 2.0 mL
(Submitting the minimum volume makes it impossible to repeat the test or perform confirmatory/reflex testing. In some situations, a minimum volume may require a second collection.)
Transport and stability
- Refrigerate if blood cannot be transported or separated immediately
- Blood must be spun (gel) or serum removed from cells (red) within six (6) hours of collection
- Refrigerate serum up to 72 hours, then ship on ice pack
- After 72 hours, freeze serum at -10°C or colder, then ship on dry ice
Rejection criteria
Testing Information
Relevant clinical history
- Occupational category, vaccination history, administration of RIG, animal exposure, and travel history.
Clinical interpretation
- Neutralizing antibody titres are reported in International Units/ml (IU/ml). Booster vaccination is recommended if antibody titre falls below 0.5 IU/ml. Individuals with antibody levels between 0.5 IU/ml and 1.0 IU/ml should be carefully assessed for their risk of exposure; if a booster dose of vaccine is not administered, a new serum sample should be drawn and tested within 3-6 months to ensure that the individual's antibody level does not fall below 0.5 IU/ml.
Performance
Days/times performed
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Maximum laboratory time
Turnaround time
- 20 calendar days
Last Updated: June 12, 2026