Rabies Testing

Consult the Nursing policy on Animal Bites/Exposures. Contact hospital facilities if bats are seen in-house.

Dead animals/animal brains for rabies testing are not routed thru Mailouts.

If testing on humans is needed

  1. SHL must be contacted before sending a specimen (319-335-4335).
  2. Go to the SHL test requisition generator.
  3. Click the radio button for "rabies", then 8872 – UIHC Pathology, and fill out the resulting rabies test request form. Human samples must be specified under "other".
  4. A completed CDC Specimen submission form (CDC 50.34 Human) must be submitted along with the specimen(s).
  5. Place a miscellaneous order for rabies testing in Epic.
  6. Note: the delivery window is at the side of SHL facing the parking lot and is physically closed in off hours. Calling SHL to inform them of incoming samples is essential, and they can consult on other relevant testing.