Results are available the same day for samples received before 11:30 am on Regular Business Days.
Requests for emergency rabies testing on weekends and during university holidays must be communicated to the after-hours emergency service by calling 515-290-1969 to get permission for testing and to inform us of the expected arrival of the specimen by mail, UPS, or delivery.
Submissions for Rabies Examination
Please use the VDL Rabies Public Submission Form when submitting samples for rabies virus testing. Provide a complete history and indicate clearly if human exposure is involved. The absence of a complete history may delay the rabies examination until the laboratory can compile and verify the necessary information.
Rabies Specimens
The entire euthanized animal, chilled (not frozen), should be delivered to the ISU VDL. Samples delivered after-hours can now be placed directly in a refrigerator located inside the Client Submissions Entrance foyer.
Rabies Test Procedures
- Results are available the same day if received before 11:30 am. Samples received after 11:30 am may be tested on the next business day.
- After-hours emergency service is available on weeknights, weekends, and during university holidays. After-hours submissions to the ISU Vet Diagnostic Lab can now be placed directly in a refrigerator located inside the VDL submission door foyer.
- The State Hygienic Laboratory at The University of Iowa (800-421-IOWA) offers rabies test service for animals that have potentially exposed humans. Visit the State Hygienic Lab Rabies website for submission form and more specific info. You will need to work directly with SHL.
Rabies Reporting
- Rabies results will always be reported the same day tested. Please note samples MAY NOT ALWAYS be tested on the same day they arrive.
- Samples received before 11:30 am: results are available the same day by 5:00 pm. They will be sent to the submittor via email, fax, or phone per the submission form request.
- Samples received after 11:30 am: may be tested on the next business day.
- In all cases, a final report will be provided to the submitter as specified on the submission form.
Rabies Results
- Negative
- Positive
- Inconclusive rabies results: results are reported as “inconclusive” when, per CDC guidelines, any of the two submitted parts are incomplete or missing and the Rabies result is Negative.
- Unsuitable rabies results: cases are reported as “unsuitable” when autolysis is evident and the FA test result is negative.