Rabies Testing
Rabies testing is available at the State Public Health Laboratory
on a daily basis. The laboratory does more than 2000 specimens annually
from across the state of Missouri. Animals suspected of having rabies
infection may be submitted for testing through a veterinarian, local
or county health department office, district health representative,
or other health care provider.
Shipping containers are provided by the laboratory for the transport
of animal specimens. A free courier service is provided for the
transportation of specimens to the laboratory. You may contact your
local
county health agency or contact us
for courier information. Do not ship animal heads without obtaining
proper shipping containers and instructions. Do not ship rabies
boxes by UPS or the U.S. Postal Service. Specimens may be delivered
directly to the laboratory if courier delivery is unavailable.
Rabies specimens should be submitted for testing through a veterinarian,
local or county health department office, district health representative,
or other health care provider. Shipping containers and instructions
are supplied by the laboratory. Do not ship animal heads without
obtaining proper shipping containers and instructions.
New Rabies Box
The State Public Health Laboratory is supplying a certified rabies
mailer that meets the Infectious Disease regulations required by
the Department of Transportation. It is very important that this
mailer be used in its entirety, including the enclosed documentation
and labeling. Please to not alter or discard any component of the
mailer. This mailer is provided for the protection of your staff,
the courier service, and laboratory employees. The submitting facility
is responsible for any fines that could be incurred because of failure
to follow shipping guidelines as detailed in the mailer.
List of Contents:
- Test Request Form (pdf)
- Diagnostic Specimen (Animal Matter)
- Absorbent packet
- Inner Protective cover
- Screw-top pail with threaded cover
- Foam Cooler w/lid
- Test request form
- Instruction sheet
- Gel pack/Refrigerant
The boxes are identified by a four-digit code written on the side
of the box. After use, the box will be returned to the facility
identified by he number. If you wish to receive mailers for your
facility, contact us.
Packaging Instructions
DOT RSPA Web Site http://www.myregs.com/dotrspa
[(CFR49) 173.196 and 172.204]
Specimen Guidelines
- Avoid damage to the brain. Do not shoot or crush the skull.
- Have a qualified individual remove the animal head from the
body. Do not ship whole animals except for bats and small rodents.
- Package the animal head so that it does not leak. Allow excess
blood to drain before placing the head in the shipping container.
- Use ONLY freeze packs as refrigerant in the shipping container.
Never put ice in a rabies mailing container.
- Fill out the laboratory form and return it to the enclosed envelope.
Please include your phone number and mailing address.
- Do not use staples on the laboratory form or envelope.
- If submitting only tissue samples, please ensure that an adequate
specimen is collected. The laboratory must receive a full cross-section
of the brain stem and either the cerebellum or hippocampus. Contact
the laboratory before collecting tissue samples.
- Rabies samples should be kept refrigerated until submitted for
testing. Freezing is not recommended, but will NOT affect the
test results. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided.
Failure to follow proper procedure may cause delays in testing,
resulting in spoilage of animal brain tissue and unnecessary vaccinations.
Specimen Acceptability
Specimens for rabies testing will only be accepted when there
is known or potential exposure of any of the following to a possibly
infected animal:
- Humans
- Animals maintained as pets
- Domesticated animals
- Exotic or non-native animal species maintained for husbandry
purposes or in zoos
Specimens for rabies testing will not be accepted in the following
instances:
- Animals (including bats) when there has been no exposure history
as described above
- Decomposed or destroyed brains (when testing material is unavailable)
Rodents:
- The laboratory will not accept domesticated (caged) mice, rats,
gerbils, hamsters, or guinea pigs for rabies testing, regardless
of exposure history.
- Wild rodents will be accepted and tested when human exposure
(biting) has occurred
Any exception to this policy must be authorized by the laboratory.
Diagnosis of Rabies in Humans
Specimens for rabies diagnosis in humans must be cleared by
the central laboratory in Jefferson City. After obtaining instructions
and a laboratory identification number, the clinical specimens
will be shipped directly to the Centers for Disease Control in
Atlanta.
Human specimen submission requirements (CDC):
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