Serum, EDTA-whole blood and urine are the acceptable types of specimens. Serum is the primary and preferred type of specimen. Always send paired serum sample when a urine specimen is collected for Zika virus RNA testing.
Collect 2.0 mL of serum or 4.0-5.0 ml of whole blood using an EDTA (lavender-top) tube per standard phlebotomy procedure. Collect 2.0-5.0 ml urine sample urine sample in sterile container. The minimum volume of specimen is 0.5 mL of EDTA-plasma, serum or urine.
Specimen Retention
Blood specimen should be collect within 7 days after onset of symptoms if any; urine should be collected within 14 days after onset of symptoms if possible.
