PDL has determined that this assay is more sensitive if the blood is stimulated within 4 hours of collection. Therefore, we are now providing instructions and collection tubes containing antigens so the test can be started at the collection facility. After overnight incubation at 37C, the plasma should be separated and shipped to PDL frozen (preferably on dry ice). To submit samples, please call or email PDL to receive detailed instructions and to request the collection tubes. Please discontinue sending whole blood unless you discuss it with a PDL staff member first.

Data collected over the last 2 years indicates that SRV antibody screen reactivity including reactivity against the recombinant gp20 transmembrane (rgp20) antigen is much more likely to be confirmed by WB than is reactivity to viral lysate antigen alone. Therefore we are reporting patterns of SRV reactivity that include reactivity to the rgp20 as “POSITIVE” and those that do not as “Indeterminate”. There is no change in “negative”. We will continue to automatically perform WB on SRV Positive samples. WB on Indeterminate or negative samples is available by request.

Confirmatory WB or IFA is available for SRV, STLV, SIV, SFV, Herpes B. However, PDL will no longer automatically perform confirmatory testing on samples submitted for antibody screening, with the exception of SRV Positive results. To request confirmatory testing please indicate the virus and the result you want confirmed on the submission form (i.e. STLV POSITIVE and/or Indeterminate).

Measles antibody has been added to the panel which already included SRV, STLV, SIV, SFV, HVP2 Surrogate Marker for Herpes B.