Test Directory
Welcome to the Alberta Precision Laboratories Test Directory
Our Test Directory includes detailed information, guides and references for many of our tests.
This includes test and result codes, specimen collection requirements, specimen transport considerations, and methodology.
***This is an INTERIM Test Directory***
Community Services Test Directory (Former DynaLIFE Test Directory)
Report any issues to APLTestDirectory@albertaprecisionlabs.ca
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| Organization: | Alberta Precision Laboratories | ||
| Test Name/Synonym: | Encephalitis - Viral
| ||
| Pathogen: | Many viruses may cause viral encephalitis. Herpes simplex virus, enterovirus, parechovirus , West Nile virus*, varicella zoster virus, arbovirus*, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus*, influenza virus, rubella virus, mumps virus, measles virus, vaccinia virus, rabies virus | ||
| Test Includes: | NAT/PCR
| ||
| Collection Alert: | For CSF specimens refer to: Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Collection Guidelines PX26-02.200 | ||
| Specimen Collection Requirements: | If multiple PCR tests are requested on a CSF, submit at least 1 mL of DEDICATED CSF. Specify the virus for PCR test request and provide clinical information with the test request. NOTE: Bloody CSF is not optimal for PCR tests. Suspected Arbovirus encephalitis: See: Arbovirus NAT Panel and Arbovirus Serology Panel Suspected Enterovirus encephalitis: See Enterovirus and Parechovirus NAT Panel Suspected HSV encephalitis: See Herpes Simplex Virus Infections. Suspected Rabies: consult with the Public Health Lab (ProvLab) Microbiologist On-Call Suspected Influenza-related encephalitis: Collect nasopharyngeal swab in Universal Transport Medium (UTM) Specify testing for influenza viruses on the requisition. Influenza – consult Public Health Lab (ProvLab) Microbiologist On-Call Suspected Varicella encephalitis: See Varicella Zoster Virus Infections Suspected West Nile encephalitis: See West Nile Virus NAT and West Nile Virus Serology Suspected other viruses (example: rabies): Consult Public Health Lab (ProvLab) Microbiologist On-Call Biopsy/autopsy material: Discuss with Public Health Lab (ProvLab) Microbiologist On-Call before submission | ||
| Transportation: | If specimen can be received in the Laboratory within 24 hours of collection then ship on ice/cold packs. If transportation might exceed 24 hours from collection then freeze at -70°C and transport on dry ice. If Risk Group 3 pathogens are suspected: Arbovirus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus or rabies, etc. Ship as Category A: If cultures only Ship as Category B: If patient specimens | ||
| Testing Area: | Molecular Diagnostics, Virology | ||
| Performing Site: | Provincial Laboratory for Public Health (Calgary and Edmonton) | ||
| Additional Test Information: | Some arboviruses are Risk Group 3. Consult with the Public Health Lab (ProvLab) Microbiologist On-Call if required. | ||
| Last Updated On: | Friday, March 14, 2025 | ||
| Date of Last Review: | Mar 11 2025 12:00AM | ||