The New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) was formerly named The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR).

Poliovirus isolation for acute flaccid paralysis surveillance

Clinical Virology Laboratory

AFP cases must be notified to the local Medical Officer of Health (MOH) and the New Zealand Paediatric Surveillance Unit (NZPSU) on suspicion.

Notifications to NZPSU should be sent to nzpsu@otago.ac.nz

Area

Health Science

Lab name

Clinical Virology Laboratory

Lab location

Wallaceville Science Centre, Upper Hutt

Test name

Poliovirus isolation for acute flaccid paralysis surveillance

Organisms

Poliovirus (family: Picornaviridae; Genus: Enterovirus; Groups: Poliovirus types 1-3)

Requested for surveillance

no

Notice required

yes

Sample requirements

Two faecal specimens taken at least 24 hours apart and within 14 days of the onset of paralysis

Pre-transport requirements

5 ± 3°C within 24 hours

Transport requirements

Send with ice pack via overnight courier to arrive within 24 hours.

Do not dispatch samples on Friday, Saturday or the day before a public holiday.

How results reported

Report will state the isolation and/or typing result for the specimen

Turnaround time

14 days

Test form number

PHFS1020

Referral link

Download form