Frequently Asked Questions
Sample Shipping
How much serum do I need?
We recommend collecting 1.0 to 2.0 mLs at minimum per submission. If serum volume is insufficient upon receipt or due to leakage or damage in transit, we will notify the submitting clinic or reference lab that the sample has been cancelled and resubmission will be required.
Is a fasted sample required?
A fasted sample is not needed unless the sample is grossly lipemic. To avoid submitting a lipemic sample, fast for 8-12 hours prior to having the serum drawn.
Can I draw the sample in a serum separator tube?
Yes, the sample can be collected and sent in a serum separator tube (gel separated, red-top tube, tiger-top tube). However, if a serum separator tube is used, it is best to pour off the serum into a non-additive 3.0 to 5.0 mL tube and send only the serum part of the sample. Do not send samples in tubes that contain other additives, such as EDTA.
How long can serum be stored?
We recommend serum storage be no more than 7-10 days in refrigeration before shipment. For longer storage you can freeze the serum at -20 °C. Sample does not need to be frozen to send.
My sample is grossly hemolyzed (reddish) or lipemic (fatty). Will it affect the testing?
A simple test is to hold the serum tube in front of a printed page – if you can see the print through the sample, then it is acceptable to test. To reduce the chance of hemolysis, pour off serum from the clot into a transfer tube for submission. To avoid lipemia, a fasting is recommended. If the sample is toxic to our cells due to hemolysis, lipemia, or contamination, a ‘toxic’ result will be sent out, and testing fees will still apply.
Packing Instructions
Put the following items into a small shipping box:
- Plastic bag containing the sample tube labeled with the human or animal’s name.
- For pet travel, it is advised to put the microchip on the tube. Unlabeled tubes for pet travel are cancelled, no exceptions.
- Plastic bag containing the submission form and any accompanying paperwork or payment
- Pre-frozen gel pack
- Packing peanuts or bubble wrap or for cushioning
- Paper towel or other absorbent material in case of leakage
Multiple samples can be sent in the same shipping box.
How much to ship my sample?
For discounted UPS labels, please follow the link at Generate UPS Label . Your account number will be needed and can be found on a previous invoice or call the rabies lab at 785–532–4406 and we can look it up for you. If you haven’t submitted to the Rabies Lab before, then you will need to complete the Client Registration Form at this link: New Client Registration Form.
Note: Please select RABIES as the “Lab Type” for FAVN and RFFIT testing.
You can also use your own shipping account or go to your local courier service and pay for shipping. We will not accept any packages with outstanding charges.
Do I need to attach any kind of bio-hazard label on my shipping package?
Human samples require a Biological Substance Category B (UN3373) label to be adhered to the outside of the package. A FAVN sample is considered an “exempt animal specimen”, therefore most courier companies do not require special labeling. If in doubt, please check the shipping company prior to sending your sample.
For international shipments for pet travel, Please fill out the Customs Declaration. A copy of the FAVN form and the customs documents should be placed on the outside of the package for custom agents to keep. Also place the original FAVN form and customs documents in the box.
Can the pet owner submit the sample for RFFIT testing?
The shipment can be prepared by the owner, clinic, or reference laboratory. However, the results will be sent to the submitting clinic and they are responsible for the sample draw, labeling, and associated services to filter search results.
Does the laboratory accept weekend delivery?
We accept deliveries Monday-Friday 8am-5pm [CST], excluding State Holidays. Samples for Saturday Delivery will be received, but not processed until the following business day.
Can you tell me the status of my samples?
The Rabies Laboratory receives thousands of samples per week.
To determine if we have received your sample for pet travel, please track the package to our location, and by the next business day you can search for the animal’s microchip number on here: Microchip Number Search. For RFFIT testing, you can email rabies@vet.k-state.edu for a status update.
Pet Travel
Are you an EU certified lab for rabies serology for pet travel?
Yes, we are an EU certified lab
Is the FAVN Test the same as the OIE-FAVN Testing?
Yes, the OIE-FAVN (Office International des Epizooties) test is same as the FAVN test; the test is performed following the FAVN procedure in the OIE manual.
Why is the FAVN test needed for my pet?
The FAVN test is required by many rabies-free countries, regions or islands in order for dogs and cats to qualify for a reduced quarantine period prior to entry. A passing FAVN result ((>/= 0.5 IU/mL) provides proof of adequate response to rabies vaccination.
If the pet is travelling to a Rabies Free Country or Island, can I submit the RFFIT?
No, The FAVN test must be submitted for pet travel.
Starting the FAVN process
Where do I start?
The pet owner will need to reach out to a local veterinary clinic to assist with the FAVN process.
Does the Veterinarian have to be Accredited?
Many countries require a USDA veterinarian but not all. Please contact the quarantine authority of the intended destination to confirm whether the veterinarian needs to be USDA accredited.
If the destination requires a USDA accredited veterinarian, follow this link. The identity of the veterinarian is critical to assessing the biosecurity risk associated with the animal. The USDA has an understandably rigid view that only USDA accredited veterinarians can undertake the testing, treatments and examinations needed for the purposes of importing dogs and cats to Rabies Free Countries or Islands.
What is the veterinarian responsible for?
The veterinarian is responsible for filling out the FAVN form as well as drawing the sample. The veterinarian must complete all required fields and verify all information is correct before signing the FAVN form. An incomplete FAVN form may cause a delay in receiving results. Please note that the veterinarian signature on the submission form does not need to be signed in blue ink.
What paperwork needs to be completed?
Submitting using the FAVN online submission form provides results faster at a discount using the link provided: Online FAVN Submission Form.
If the online submission form is not used, a PDF form can be found at FAVN Paper Submission Form.
Note: Both the online and paper submission forms need to be printed off and placed inside the box that will be shipped to our lab.
Can the pet owner submit the sample for FAVN testing?
The clinic or reference laboratory is responsible for packaging and shipping of the sample unless permission has been given to the pet owner to ship the sample themselves. Pet owners should check with the veterinarian for permission to ship the sample themselves.
Does my pet need to be microchipped for export?
Most destinations require an ISO microchip to be implanted prior to sample draw. Some destinations have scanners that only read certain brands of microchips. Please contact the quarantine authority of the intended destination for current requirements.
My pet has two microchip numbers, which one should I list on my FAVN form?
If an animal has two microchips, the first number listed on the submission form is the only one that will be on the official FAVN result label. Choose which microchip to list first based on criteria the destination may have.
How long should I wait after my pet has been vaccinated before drawing the sample?
For the highest probability of obtaining a passing result, we recommend the pet be rabies vaccinated a minimum of two times. For optimum antibody response, wait 10-21 days between vaccination and taking the blood sample for testing (or 14-30 days if taking the blood sample after primary vaccination). However, some countries have strict requirements for the timing of the blood draw. Therefore, we strongly recommend directly contacting regulatory authorities in the country of your destination or your state USDA Vet Med Officer.
How much history of the rabies vaccination should I provide?
Record the dates of 2-3 rabies vaccinations beginning with the most recent. Please check with the destination for their specific requirements.
How often should titers be checked on my pet?
The frequency of titer checks for pets depends on a number of factors. Please contact your veterinarian for current guidelines.
Cancellation policy
The FAVN test can only be cancelled by written authorization from the submitting clinic/veterinarian to rabies@vet.k-state.edu. Authorization to cancel must be received prior to sample testing, otherwise a cancellation fee is charged.
Destination Requirements
Can you help me with the Destination requirements?
The Rabies lab’s function is to test the serum and provide a result. Please contact the quarantine authority of the intended destination or access the USDA website at the following link: Destination Country Requirements. For pet travel to Hawaii, please see Hawaii Animal Quarantine.
Who will endorse the Rabies and Health Certificate?
The Rabies Lab does not endorse these certificates. More information is at this link: USDA Travel Guidance.
What is the RNATT Declaration?
The RNATT declaration is completed by an Official Government Veterinarian, not by the Rabies Lab: Pet Travel to Australia.
Results
When are the results ready?
The delivery time of the FAVN test results may vary without notice. Please check with the laboratory rabies@vet.k-state.edu for an up-to-date estimate of the turnaround time
My pet’s rabies titer failed (was less than 0.50 IU/mL). What should I do now?
We recommend a minimum of two rabies vaccinations before taking the blood sample for FAVN testing. Most rabies-free countries have extended quarantine periods for pets that don’t meet minimum requirements. Alternatively, consult with your veterinarian about the possibility of an additional rabies vaccination and collecting another blood sample. It is best to wait 10-21 days after re-vaccination to take a blood sample so that the pet has time to develop a higher antibody response.
How long is the FAVN test valid?
The destination countries decide how long the FAVN test result is valid for, so please check directly with them.
How and where is the official FAVN report sent?
The results of the FAVN testing distributed in one of the following ways:
Sample submitted with the new online submission form:
The official results are digital and no hard copies are distributed. An emailed copy of the results will be sent to the submitting clinic or reference lab. If traveling to one of the islands below or Hawaii, an electronic copy will also be emailed directly to their Department of Agriculture. Quarantine officials will scan the QR located on the FAVN result report for result verification.
Sample submitted with a paper submission form:
If traveling to Hawaii, an electronic copy is sent via fax or email to the submitting clinic or reference lab as well as the Animal Industry Division of the Hawaiian Animal Quarantine. To verify if Hawaii has received your animal’s results, travel date, and the time period the FAVN result is valid, please follow the instructions on this web page: Hawaii Microchip Search.
If traveling to Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Fiji, Guam, Saipan, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and Turks & Caicos, the FAVN result report is faxed or emailed directly to that Island’s Department of Agriculture as well as submitting clinic or reference lab.
For all other destinations, the FAVN result report is sent to the submitting clinic or reference lab via FedEx express if the clinic is within the United States. (Please note that FedEx cannot ship to PO or APO boxes). The results are airmailed to international clinics unless a courier fee is paid or an account number for FedEx or DHL is provided. A copy of the results will be emailed or faxed to the submitting clinic or reference lab.
The FAVN report can be sent directly to the pet owner with written permission from the submitting clinic or reference laboratory. A copy of the FAVN report also can be sent via email or fax to USDA veterinarians or quarantine stations at no charge.
How can I pay for optional shipping?
If the FAVN result report is needed sooner for clinics within the United States, results can be shipped overnight for an additional fee.
Clients outside of the United States have the option to pay for international shipping. If no courier is paid, results will be sent airmail, which cannot be tracked.
NOTE: More than one result can be sent in the same courier shipment if the samples were received together on the same day.
Please follow link to pay for optional shipping: VDL Payments.
How do I request a reissue of an FAVN result report?
If you are the pet owner, please have your submitting clinic request the reissue. The reissued FAVN result report is sent to the submitting clinic, unless the submitting clinic authorizes release directly to the pet owner.
If you are the submitting clinic but used a reference lab to submit the sample to the Rabies lab, then contact the reference lab to request the reissue. The reissued FAVN result report is sent to the reference lab, unless the reference lab authorizes release directly to the submitting clinic or pet owner.
Click to request a reissue: FAVN Reissue Form
I need to make a change(s) on my FAVN form. What should I do?
Before the test is finalized, the submitting clinic can contact the Rabies Laboratory about changes.
Any request to correct FAVN information after finalization will be reviewed and must be approved per internal standards/policy. Email rabies@vet.k-state.edu with information explaining what corrections are requested.
There is a fee of $112 per submission to amend a FAVN result report so please verify all information on the submission form is correct before submitting the sample to the lab.
If you think the Rabies Laboratory made an error on the FAVN result report, you may email the lab. Any error due to a misinterpretation of handwriting will be reviewed on a case by case basis. It is recommended to type out all submission forms.
RFFIT
Which test do I choose?
Animal or Human RFFIT Testing
Screen or endpoint RFFIT selection is based on knowledge needed and price point. Information can be found here: RFFIT Test Submission Forms
Endpoint- Quantitative results. Provides an exact titer between the reportable range of 0.1 to 15.0 IU/mL
Screen- Qualitative results. Results are reported as either LESS THAN 0.1 IU/mL, >/= 0.1 IU/mL or >/= 0.5 IU/mL.
If the pet is travelling to a Rabies Free Country or Island, can I submit the RFFIT?
No, The FAVN test must be submitted for pet travel.
Results:
When are the results ready?
RFFIT samples are tested in the order that they are received. The turnaround time is approximately 3-4 weeks. In some cases, for technical reasons, samples must be retested and the turnaround time will be longer. Exceptions can be made to expedite the testing. Please email rabies@vet.k-state.edu to explain the need as these requests are subject to approval. Mention the expedite request on the RFFIT form.
My unvaccinated/overdue pet was bitten by a known/suspected rabid animal. Will a titer test tell me whether my pet has rabies?
The absence of a titer in an unvaccinated animal does not exclude a diagnosis of rabies, since some rabid animals may not have detectable levels of rabies antibodies. Also, the presence of a titer in a vaccinated animal may not ensure protection from an exposure to rabies. Keep your pet current on its rabies vaccination and contact your veterinarian and local or state health department if you think your pet may have been exposed to rabies. Prospective Serological Monitoring may be advised depending on local laws, email rabies@vet.k-state.edu for further information.
My pet’s rabies titer was reported as less than 0.50 IU/mL. What should I do now?
See What does the level of Rabies virus neutralizing antibodies (RVNA) mean? Two rabies vaccinations before testing provides a higher likelihood of obtaining a rabies titer above 0.5 IU/mL. Consult your veterinarian about the possibility of an additional rabies vaccination and collecting another blood sample. Waiting 10-21 days after re-vaccination to take a blood sample allows the pet to develop a peak antibody response.
How long is my pet’s RFFIT test result valid?
If you are presenting the results of the RFFIT testing to a local official, it is up to that local official as to when the pet must be tested again.
I prefer to not rabies vaccinate my pet, what can I do?
Check with your local official to determine if the results of a RFFIT test will satisfy their licensing requirements.
How and where are the RFFIT results sent?
The results are sent back to the submitting clinic or reference lab via email or fax. If you are a clinic that used a reference lab, please check with their sendouts department.
How do I interpret RFFIT results?
For animals – there is no proven level of protection for an animal. Regulatory authorities often require a minimum of a 0.50 IU/mL titer in conjunction with waiting periods for export (to rabies-free areas) purposes.
For Humans at risk of rabies exposure (see table below) – there are two different recommendations, one from ACIP and one from WHO. The ACIP level of “complete neutralization at a serum dilution of 1:5” corresponds to 0.1 IU/mL. Therefore, if the reported result is >/= 0.1 IU/mL or >/= 0.5 IU/mL a rabies booster is not recommend per the ACIP. The lowest antibody level that can be accurately and precisely measured by the RFFIT in our laboratory is 0.1 IU/mL; below this level, there is uncertainty as to the specificity of the result.
The WHO level of 0.5 IU/mL is more conservative for guiding human vaccination decisions. Therefore, if the reported result is >/=0.5 IU/mL a rabies booster is not recommended per WHO.
For further information, see “Level of rabies protection".
Why should I consider getting a booster vaccination?
Anticipated risk of exposure (i.e., routinely handling sick animals in rabies enzootic areas), length of time until the next antibody measurement, previous rabies antibody levels and the probability of decay to low or undetectable levels, individual health status (immunocompromised condition or a history of poor vaccine response), timely access to vaccine and administration should a potential exposure occur are factors to take into consideration for booster decisions. See ACIP and WHO guidelines for further information.
I need to make a name change on the RFFIT results. What should I do?
Email rabies@vet.k-state.edu and request the change.