Ebola laboratory tests

Overview
Ebola would be categorized as a viral hemorrhagic fever. There are multiple tests available to test for and confirm the diagnosis of ebola (as well as other VHFs}

Lab testing


The following notes should be recognized for the chart shown.


 * The single * represents the fact that whole blood can be used          for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and may be frozen. Do           not centrifuge suspected VHF specimens because this increases risk to           the lab worker. If serum specimens have already been prepared these           can be used. Place specimens in plastic tubes for shipping and storage           and be sure that the tubes are sealed and properly labeled.


 * The double ** represents to collect acute-phase specimen when patient is admitted to hospital          or diagnosed as suspected case and collect convalescent-phase specimen           at death or when discharged from the hospital.


 * The triple *** represents that whole blood or tissue is preferred, although serum or plasma          may provide results.


 * The quadruple **** represents to use both ice packs and dry ice to provide best results.          If dry ice or ice packs are not available, sample may be shipped at           room temperature and still provide valid results in most cases.

Ebola virus can be        detected in fatal cases from a skin specimen using immunohistochemistry         or RT-PCR tests developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The skin specimen is fixed in        formalin or chaotrope which kills the virus. The specimen is no longer infectious once        it is placed in formalin or chaotrope and the outside of the vial has been decontaminated. This vial can be shipped by mail or hand carried to the lab without risk. Results are available within a week after the specimen arrives at the        CDC.