Laboratory testing

If laboratory testing is required, the following instructions should be followed:

1. Order test from local laboratory:
   • IgM, IgG and PCR for Zika virus
   • acute serum (taken within 5 days of symptom onset) and convalescent serum (2–3 weeks later) should be taken. The two samples are important to rule out false positive tests due to cross reactivity with similar viruses such as Dengue
2. Provide overseas travel details and clinical history including the onset day and patient’s DHB.  Onset date is extremely important to ensure that the most appropriate test is performed.
3. The local laboratory will forward samples to ESR who will arrange testing at an Australian Arbovirus Reference Laboratory (no labs in NZ currently test for Zika virus).

Note: there is currently no particular action expected following Zika virus confirmation. There may be a longer turnaround time for these tests.