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SickKids

West Nile Virus PCR - Plasma/Serum

Alternate test name

Flavivirus, Dengue virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus

Gene name / Alternate gene name

NS5 gene

Lab area
Microbiology - Molecular
Method and equipment
Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction
Expected turn-around time
Within 7 business days from May to November
Specimen type
  • Plasma
  • Serum
Specimen requirements
  • Plasma or Serum - 0.5 mL minimum for 1 test, >1 mL recommended for multiple tests
Storage and transportation
  • All specimens must be shipped on dry ice
  • Exception: Specimens that will arrive at SickKids within 24 hours from the time of collection can be shipped on ice packs
Special requirements

For testing from Dec 1st - Apr 30th, please contact Microbiologist on-call through locating at 416-813-7500 for approval

Disease condition
  • Encephalitis transmitted by mosquitoes
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