The National Centre for Disease Control (“NCDC”) has, through an undated document released “Sample Collection and Transport Guidelines for laboratory diagnosis of Nipah Virus Infection” on their website.
Background:
Adequate biosafety precautions should be adopted during collection/transport/ storage/ processing of clinical samples from suspected cases. Nipah virus being a BSL-4 agent, universal, standard droplet and bio-containment precautions should be followed during contact with excretions, secretions and body fluids of suspected patient.
Key Highlights:
1.The samples should be collected as early as 4-5 days on onset of illness accompanies with adequate biosafety precautions.
2. During sample collection wear complete disposable Personal Protective Equipments (N 95 mask, double surgical gloves, gowns, goggles etc).
3.Hands must be washed with soap and water at least for 30 seconds and then cleaning of hands must be done using 1-2 ml of alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after collection of samples.
4.The samples may be as follows
a.Throat swab to be collected in viral transport medium
b.Urine approximately 10 ml in universal sterile container
c. Blood in plain vial (at least 5ml)
d. CSF (at least 1 ml) in a sterile container.
5.As per the Guideline by NCDC, National Institute of Virology, Pune is the testing laboratory in public sector which is diagnosing Nipah virus infection based on molecular detection of viral RNA and IgM antibody detection by ELISA test). In Private Sector, Manipal centre for Virus Research, Manipal, Karnataka has the testing facility for Nipah virus.
6.For transportation and storage of samples, it should be safely packed in triple container packing and should be transported under cold chain (2-8°C) to the testing laboratory with prior intimation.
7.Sample containing vials should be kept in good quality plastic bags tied with rubber bands so that inside material does not come out of bag in case of any leakage. The plastic bag should be kept in another container which should be sealed with adhesive tape.
8.You may also refer to the Biosafety manual released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare here.
Source: National Centre for Disease Control
