Viral Encephalitis Testing Program

In addition to traditional serology and virus isolation, the New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center offers a molecular test panel for health care providers to assist in the diagnosis of hospitalized encephalitis cases. The following polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays are available for testing CSF or brain tissue specimens:

Herpes Family:

• Herpes simplex virus 1
• Herpes simplex virus 2
• Human herpes virus 6
• Varicella zoster virus
• Cytomegalovirus
• Epstein-Barr virus

Adenoviridae:

• Adenovirus

Enteroviruses:

• Enteroviruses including human echovirus, human coxsackie virus, human poliovirus and others

In the appropriate season (June 1^st to November 1^st) or when travel history or contact history warrants, the following tests are also performed:

Arboviruses:

• West Nile virus
• St. Louis Encephalitis virus
• Eastern equine encephalitis virus
• California serogroup viruses (La Crosse, Jamestown Canyon and others) and Cache Valley virus

Rabies:

• Rabies
  (Prospective submitters must contact the Rabies Laboratory Director at 518 869 4527 or 518 527 7369 prior to sending samples to arrange for testing. Specimens should not be sent to the Viral Encephalitis Laboratory.)

Laboratory Requirements for PCR Tests

1. Specimens
   • A minimum of 1.0 ml CSF (frozen at -70°C, no preservatives), please consult the laboratory regarding tests on smaller volumes.
   • Brain biopsy material (fresh frozen at -70°C, no preservatives).
   • Brain tissue obtained at autopsy (fresh frozen at -70°C, no preservatives).
2. Submission forms (Must accompany specimens)
   • Collection and Submission of Samples for Viral Encephalitis/Meningitis Testing Instructions (PDF -- 31k )
   • Viral Encephalitis/Meningitis History Form (On-line fillable PDF -- 201k )
   • Viral Encephalitis/Meningitis Case Report Form (On-line fillable PDF -- 102k )
   • Incomplete information will delay testing.

   • Forms are available as Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files. The Adobe Acrobat Reader software is required to view and print these forms. The software is free and can be downloaded from the Adobe website directly.

3. Shipping
   • It is the shipper's responsibility to ensure that appropriate shipping materials are used. Please contact your carrier for shipping and packaging information. Patient specimens must be shipped as "Diagnostic Specimens".
   • Specimens should only be shipped Sunday-Thursday "Priority Overnight" so that appropriate laboratory personnel can be present to receive and accession specimens Monday-Friday.
   • Specimens should be shipped frozen on dry ice (minimum weight 2 kg or 5 lbs of dry ice) to:
     

     Dr. Robert Boromisa
     New York State Department of Health
     Viral Encephalitis Laboratory Viral
     Encephalitis Laboratory
     Griffin Laboratory
     5668 State Farm Road
     Slingerlands, New York 12159
     

For questions or additional information contact: Michelle Dupuis (518) 869-4508.

Laboratory Requirements for Arbovirus Serology, Acute Serum Specimen

The acute serum may be submitted with CSF specimen(s) for PCR testing. If no CSF is being sent, the same procedure should be followed.

• Collect 5 - 10 ml blood in a serum separator tube.
• Separate and freeze 3 - 5 ml serum.
• Submit frozen serum with PCR specimen(s) to the Viral Encephalitis Laboratory. Include serum specimen collection date on the Viral Encephalitis/Meningitis Case Report Form.

Laboratory Requirements for Arbovirus Serology, Convalescent Serum Specimen

Obtain a convalescent specimen at least three weeks after the acute specimen's collection date.

1. Specimen
   • Collect 5 - 10 ml blood in a serum separator tube.
   • Separate and refrigerate 3 - 5 ml serum.
2. Submission Form (must accompany specimen). Use either:
   • A copy of the original Viral Encephalitis/Meningitis Case Report Form, clearly indicating the current serum's collection date or
   • Diagnostic Immunology Request Form DOH-2118.
3. Shipping
   • Serum specimens can be sent on cold packs to:
     

     Dr. Susan Wong
     New York State Department of Health
     David Axelrod Institute
     Diagnostic Immunology Laboratory
     120 New Scotland Avenue
     Albany, NY 12208

For questions on serology other than rabies please call the Diagnostic Immunology Laboratory at 518-486-3845.