Poliovirus serology

The poliovirus reference laboratory offers poliovirus serology testing for the following indication:

• A clinical suspicion of acute infection with poliovirus
  
• The diagnostic test of choice for acute poliovirus infection is viral culture performed on two stool specimens collected 24 - 48 hours apart and within 14 days of the onset of paralysis. Serology is only offered as an adjunct to stool culture, or retrospectively if appropriate stool specimens are not available.
  
• When poliovirus serology is indicated, a pre-infection and post-infection serum is required, with a minimum volume of 0.5ml of each serum. The sera should be kept chilled with ice bricks. see: Polio specimen referral
  
• Poliovirus serology cannot distinguish between previous infection and previous vaccination. If doubt exists regarding immunity to poliovirus, a booster dose of vaccine is recommended.

Further enquiries may be directed to the poliovirus reference laboratory. see: Contact details