Content
We have collected the questions most often asked regarding rabies testing. If you have a question not covered here, please email our office.
How much time is required to do rabies testing?
There are multiple factors that may affect the turnaround time, but under normal conditions, we strive to have results ready within one business day. Laboratory hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, excluding state holidays. We recommend holding the specimen on Friday and shipping it on the next business day.
How do I submit a specimen for rabies testing?
No Human Exposure
The Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center (NVDC) Rabies Submission form is required for testing. When filling out clinic information, please list the veterinarian as the submitter, not the person completing the form.
Human Exposure
Human exposure cases are routed through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) website and require an RA number for your rabies submission. Go to the NDHHS Rabies Requisition website first. If you go to the NDHHS website to get an RA number, you will need a PIN number which is available to veterinarians only. You can also obtain an RA number by calling NDHHS, which does not require a PIN.
Information regarding requirements for human exposure testing can be found at the NDHHS Rabies Requisition website.
What are the sample requirements and shipping information
Go to the NVDC Submission Forms page to find the form containing specimen preparation instructions and packaging/shipping guidelines.
What does an “unsuitable” report for rabies mean?
This indicates poor or incomplete specimens. Generally, this refers to specimens that are decomposed or damaged to the point that testing is not possible.
What does an “indeterminate” report for rabies mean?
This means the test results could not definitively confirm or rule out rabies.
Can an unsuitable or indeterminate sample be tested by the rabies nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) / CDC LN34 Real-time PCR?
Yes. Unsuitable or indeterminate samples may be tested with approval using the rabies NAAT/CDC LN34 assay; however, any negative or inconclusive result obtained from such samples must be reported only as: “Unable to Rule Out Rabies Infection.”
The specimen was frozen by mistake. Can it still be tested?
Yes, you may still submit it but keep it frozen. Repeated freezing and thawing of brain tissue can cause it to become unsuitable. If the specimen is already frozen, submit it frozen. Note: depending on the species, there may be a delay.
How much will it cost to test the rabies specimen?
The cost for testing at the NVDC can be found on the NVDC Test and Fee page, plus an accession fee. However, in the case of human exposure, please refer to the DHHS rabies web page for more information on testing.
The specimen looks decomposed/destroyed, smelly, green, etc. What should I do?
Still submit it. The exterior condition doesn’t always reflect the condition of the brain tissue. Lab staff will necropsy and assess the brain to determine suitability for testing.
How do I contact someone in the Rabies Laboratory?
You may call NVDC at 402-472-1434 with any questions.
What if I still have questions related to rabies?
For general rabies information, visit the CDC About Rabies page.
Can the laboratory give me the name of a veterinarian to discuss my rabies concerns with?
The laboratory cannot provide veterinarian referrals or medical care recommendations. Contact your healthcare provider for medical assistance or the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (402-471-2937).
Should providers submit notification of suspected and confirmed human rabies cases to the Rabies Laboratory?
No. Human rabies cases must be reported immediately to local or regional health departments. Call the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) at (402) 471-2937 to report immediately notifiable conditions. Reporting directly to the lab may not get the information to the correct authority.
I have observed wildlife behaving suspiciously for rabies. Who should I contact?
If you observe wildlife behaving suspiciously for rabies, you should contact your local animal control agency or Nebraska Game and Parks. They can provide guidance, assess the situation, and determine whether the animal needs to be collected or tested.