Table 4 Instructions for collecting and sending samples for laboratory diagnosis—for serological diagnosis

Blood (serum)

Collect around 10 ml of blood from the mother, without anticoagulant: first collection 3–5 days after the start of symptoms and second collection 2–4 weeks later. Separate out at least 2–3 ml of serum for serological tests. In the case of the newborn, 2–5 ml of blood (preferably from the umbilical cord), without anticoagulant, and separate out 0.5–1.0 ml of serum for serological tests

Use sterile plastic tube with screw top and sealing ring. Label the tube with the patient’s name, collection date and sample type. Conserve in freezer at −20 °C

Pack in biological sample transportation box (category B UN/3373) with recyclable ice

Blood (serum) from umbilical cord

Collect 2–5 ml of blood from the newborn, without anticoagulant, at the time of birth

Use sterile plastic tube with screw top and sealing ring. Label the tube with the patient’s name, collection date and sample type. Conserve in freezer at −20 °C.

Pack in biological sample transportation box (category B UN/3373) with recyclable ice

Cerebrospinal fluid

Collect 1 ml from the newborn at the time of birth

Use temperature-resistant sterile plastic tube with screw top and sealing ring. Label the tube with the patient’s name, collection date and sample type. Conserve in freezer at −20 °C

Pack in biological sample transportation box (category B UN/3373) with recyclable ice