Blood for Viral Isolation (General)

• Centrifuge anticoagulated blood (EDTA or citrate preferred) – Store/transport plasma with added antibiotics at 4 degrees centigrade (within 24 hrs) minus 20 degree (for short term storage) minus 70 degree (for long term storage)

For Dengue Virus Isolation

Viral isolation is most successful when blood is collected within 5 days of onset of symptoms – EDTA or citrated blood is centrifuged – Add 25 microlitre of Gentamicin / ml of plasma obtained. – Keep at 4°C and transport to laboratory – If delay (> 2 – 3 days) is inevitable, transport specimen (plasma or serum) frozen on dry ice.

Precaution

Do not freeze whole blood (lysis of RBC is toxic to cell culture).