Serological Tests

Shipping biological specimens must comply with the protocols established by the courier or transport service used. In some cases, air transport requires compliance with the regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for dangerous materials.

Serological tests generally require serum, but plasma is often satisfactory. Samples must be collected as described for serum biochemical analysis and must always be free of hemolysis.

In some cases, paired samples may be necessary for an adequate diagnosis. The acute sample should be collected at the onset of the disease and frozen. The convalescent sample should be collected 10 to 14 days later, and both samples should be sent to the laboratory at the same time.