Preparation and Handling for Rabies Testing

Preparation and Handling for Rabies Testing

Rabies suspects that die or are euthanized must be sent to the state rabies laboratory for testing:

• Place the animal in a biohazard bag, double bag
• Identify the bag with:
  •  the date
  •  animal name
  •  hospital ID number
  •  clinician name
• Do Not Freeze: Keep the carcass refrigerated until it can be transported in a cooler to the state rabies laboratory.
• Complete the State Rabies Laboratory Submission Form
• If the animal is taken to the necropsy cooler for storage, be sure to complete the necropsy room tag, and clearly identify the animal as a rabies suspect in the medical record. Call the necropsy service (Steve O’Connell- 919 513-6625) in the morning to ensure that the animal has been transported to the State Rabies Laboratory for testing.

State Rabies Laboratory

Bath Building, 306 N. Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC
WEEKDAYS (8AM – 5PM)
(919) 707-5900 or (919) 707-5931

• •  the date
  •  animal name
  •  hospital ID number
  •  clinician name