Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis – Serology

*Uncontrolled print copy. Valid only on day of print: 08 March 2021.

Specimen Collection and Handling

Specimen Requirements

Test Requested	Required Requisition(s)	Specimen Type	Minimum Volume	Collection Kit
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus, LCM	General Test Requisition	Blood or serum	5.0 ml blood or 1.0 ml serum	Blood, clotted - vacutainer tubes (SST)

Submission and Collection Notes

Complete the following on the General Test Requisition form:

relevant travel history
onset date
symptoms

Instructions for using SST tubes are found in the document titled: LAB-SD-008, Blood Collection using Serum Separator Tubes.

Limitations

Haemolysed, icteric, lipemic or microbially contaminated sera or plasma are not recommended for testing.

Preparation Prior to Transport

Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.

Special Instructions

Place specimen in a biohazard bag and seal. Specimens should be stored at 2-8 ◦C following collection and shipped to the lab on ice packs.

Requisitions and Kit Ordering

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

LCM testing is referred to the Public Health Agency of Canada- National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg.

Turnaround time is up to 28 days from receipt by PHO laboratory.

Reporting

Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.

Test Methods

This test is a Referred Out Test. Samples are sent to the Public Health Agency of Canada – National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg.

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis test is performed using an Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to detect IgG antibodies to Lymphocytic choriomeningitis Virus.

Labstracts

LAB-SD-008, Blood Collection using Serum Separator Tubes