Clinical background:
Chikungunya is a travel-associated viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. It causes fever and severe joint pain, but can cause a range of symptoms. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. IgM antibody levels are highest three to five weeks after the onset of illness and persist for about two months. Samples must be accompanied by a completed RIPL request form, including full travel details. Form is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rare-and-imported-pathogens-testing-form-to-submit-sample
Specimen container paediatric:
Clotted blood.
Specimen container adult:
Clotted blood – Gold SST.
Minimum volume paediatric:
1 ml
Minimum volume adult:
5 ml
Special requirements:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C.
Sample stability:
Stable for up to 24 hrs.
Transport requirements:
Standard.
Add On Test:
Possible up to 5 days.
Quality assurance:
Sample referred to Reference Laboratory.
Interpretation:
Interpretative comments are added to reports where applicable.
Reference ranges:
None available
Factors affecting result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
Referenced Documents:
UKHSA publications gateway number GOV-13861
Other info:
Referred to RIPL (Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory – Porton Down)