Rabies Serology, Blood

Diagnostic Use

Discontinued test as of 31.05.2026

For immune status only. Non funded. Antibodies are measured to determine the degree of immunity post vaccination

From 31 May 2026, Rabies serology for immune status will no longer be offered Nationally as there is no longer a referral service for this testing.
Currently, aliquots must be received from Monday to Thursday only and sent frozen.

Department

Microbiology - Serology

Delphic Registration Code

RABS

Laboratory Handling

Test Adds

Non funded

Turnaround Time

7 days

Test Code

7217

Specimen Type

• Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• SST II (Gold Cap)

Preferred if West Coast

• SST II (Gold Cap)

Acceptable

• Serum (Red Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

10.0

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

5.0

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• SST II (Gold Cap)

Acceptable

• Serum (Red Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

5.0

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

3.5

Additional Specimen Information

Samples are stable at 2-8*C for only 24hrs. If not tested within 24 hours of collection, sample must be aliquotted and frozen.

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum

Minimum Volume (ml)

1.0

Transport to Lab

Frozen
If overnight - Frozen

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Test additions are not available.
From 31 May 2026, Rabies serology for immune status will no longer be offered Nationally as there is no longer a referral service for this testing.
Currently, aliquots must be received from Monday to Thursday only and sent frozen.

Interpretation

For those with continuing high risk of exposure to Rabies, the WHO recommend booster doses of vaccine when the serum antibody level is less than 0.5 IU/ml.
Those with levels greater than or equal to 0.5 IU/ml are considered currently protected PROVIDED they receive appropriate post-exposure
vaccinations.

Reference Intervals

Reported in International Units per mL:

Negative = <0.5 IU/mL

Positive = >/=0.55 IU/mL

Test Method

ELISA

Non-Funded Test Cost

$459 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

7217

From 31 May 2026, Rabies serology for immune status will no longer be offered Nationally as there is no longer a referral service for this testing.
Currently, aliquots must be received from Monday to Thursday only and sent frozen.

Contact Information

Enquiry Form