Ebola Virus (EV)

Laboratory testing for patients who are suspected of having Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

NOTE: This testing is limited to specimens that have received preapproval from BOTH the Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention (BCDCP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you suspect a patient of being infected with Ebola Virus, please call BCDCP at (573) 751-6113 or (800) 392-0272 IMMEDIATELY for consultation.

The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory (MSPHL) currently only performs in-house testing for Zaire ebolavirus. Testing for other strains of EV (such as Sudan) is performed at partner Laboratory Response Network (LRN) laboratories. The MSPHL coordinates and facilitates collection/shipment of specimens to our partner labs and will assist in submission of these specimens. Call the Missouri State Public Health laboratory at 573-751-3334 if you have questions about this process.

Molecular

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): Zaire ebolavirus species
BioFire® FilmArray® BioSurveillance System: Other species of EV (Sudan, Tai Forest, Bundibugyo, Reston, Bombali)

Shipping kits have been pre-positioned at Department of Health and Senior Services Regional Offices with our Senior Epidemiologists. The Senior Epidemiologists must be contacted on ALL suspected Ebola cases at (573)751-6111 or (800)392-0272 (24/7 contact). CDC consultation is also required and the Epidemiologists can assist with this process as well.

The kits that are provided are shipping kits only. They ARE NOT collection kits. The collecting laboratory will be required to provide and use the standard, purple-top (EDTA) vials for collection of blood specimens. Once collected, these vials should be placed inside the protective mailers and shipped according to the guidance given during the pre-collection consultation with BCDCP/CDC. It is IMPERATIVE that the laboratory collects duplicate specimens for Ebola testing. One specimen will be shipped to the designated LRN laboratory for preliminary testing, and the other specimen will be sent to the CDC for confirmatory testing.

Instructions on how and where to ship suspect-EVD specimens will be given upon receiving testing approval from BCDCP and CDC.

Collection Instructions Link

Specimen transportation for EV specimens to the MSPHL will be arranged through the Regional Epidemiologist to ensure rapid delivery for testing.

https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/healthcare-us/laboratories/specimens.html

EDTA purple top blood tube
It is important to collect TWO specimens simultaneously!

Virology Test Request Form

• Ebola Virus RNA Not Detected by rRT-PCR
• Inconclusive for Ebola Virus RNA by rRT-PCR--an Inconclusive result may occur in the case of an inadequate specimen
• Ebola Virus RNA Detected by rRT-PCR--Additional testing required to support definitive identification of Ebola Virus
• Test Cancelled

• The name on the specimen does not match the name on the requisition form.
• The specimen container is not labeled with the patient's name.
• Improper storage/transport of specimen.
• The sample collected with improper collection device-transport media not intended for viruses.
• The specimen is not the listed acceptable specimens.

Testing is performed and results are reported the same day the specimen is received.

None

A984 Ebola virus disease Ebola virus disease [A98.4] ICD-10-CM Diagnosis

41636-2
EBOV RNA XXX Ql PCR
Ebola virus RNA [Presence] in Unspecified specimen by Probe and target amplification method
2.16.840.1.113883.6.1
LOINC

CDC Ebola Website