Many were designed to be performed in laboratories with serum specimens [20-31].

Most rapid tests have been evaluated with serum specimens, but their accuracy with whole blood may not be equivalent [55].

An additional serum specimen was taken on days 1, 28, 84, and 112 to measure for the presence of IL-6.

The serum specimens were transferred to individual glass tubes, sealed with parafilm and stored at -70 C until radioimmunoassay.

Of the 806 children enrolled in the study, we obtained a second serum specimen from 714 (88.6%) 4-6 weeks after vaccination, and a third specimen from 164 (23%) 13-17 months later.

HIV tests can use specimens collected by less invasive methods (e.g., oral fluid, urine, and finger-stick blood), in addition to serum specimens collected by venipuncture.

If the original specimen is not available, health departments will work with healthcare providers to decide if a new serum specimen should be obtained for WNV testing.

State health departments can help healthcare providers decide if a new serum specimen should be obtained to test for WNV or another etiology.

Toxicity testing of serum specimens, wound tissue cultures, and toxicity testing, and stool specimen cultures are the best methods for identifying botulism.

For information regarding collection of serum specimens and lesions, please refer to the smallpox laboratory testing guidelines at http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/lab-testing/index.asp.