Serology

The Enterovirus 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 Enterovirus Reference Laboratory.