Zika virus testing guidelines for health care providers
Commercial lab testing
Zika virus testing is now available in commercial clinical laboratories. When determining whether to test for Zika virus and which tests to order, providers should refer to Zika virus testing guidelines from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Specimens that are positive for Zika IgM but PCR was either negative or not done should be forwarded to a public health lab for confirmation by Plaque Reduction Neutralization Testing (PRNT).
Reporting Zika virus infection
All positive, equivocal, and unspecified flavivirus results (including Zika virus) must be reported to the Santa Clara County Public Health Department (SCCPHD) (California Code of Regulations, Title 17, Section 2500). Please report any patient with laboratory evidence of Zika virus infection to SCCPHD using a Confidential Morbidity Report Form.
Testing at public health laboratories
SCCPHD no longer performs routine testing for Zika virus. Providers should route Zika testing through capable commercial laboratories
SCCPHD may perform Zika testing for unusual situations, such as infants with clinical findings suggesting of congenital Zika syndrome and severely ill patients. This will be determined on a case by case basis. If you think you have a patient who requires testing for Zika at SCCPHD, please call 408-885-4214 to discuss.