Rabies Virus Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) [Referral]

Specific requirements must be met for testing to proceed. Failure to meet requirements of the Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory will result in delays. 

Referral tests are not performed at TVMDL; a processing and shipping fee will apply. To expedite results, submitters should send samples directly to the Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory to ensure specific requirements are met. Each sample requires a completed Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory FAVN Form signed by a USDA accredited veterinarian.

Detection of antibodies to rabies virus by fluorescent antibody virus neutralization.  The FAVN test is required by many rabies-free countries or regions for dog and cat travel. 

2 mL serum 

For complete instructions, refer to the Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory. Collect serum from clotted blood in a non-additive tube (e.g. plain red top or serum separator). When possible, transfer clear serum off the clot into a new tube. Excessively hemolyzed or lipemic samples are not acceptable. 

Glass or plastic tube with no anticoagulant additives. 

For complete instructions, refer to the Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory</a>; label all samples according to instructions provided by the Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory. Place sample tube and paperwork in a plastic bag and ship with a pre-frozen cold pack. Bubble wrap or packing peanuts may be used for cushioning.  Overnight shipping is recommended.  

This test is performed at the Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory in Manhattan, KS. 

• For this test, TVMDL strongly recommends submitters send samples directly to the referral lab, as the forwarding process will add several days to the turnaround time. 
• Additionally, many countries require the original report from the referral lab for pet travel. The fastest way to receive this is through direct submission to the Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory. Original reports sent to TVMDL will incur additional fees and time to process and ship to the submitter.  
• Please verify all information on the submission form is correct as additional fees will apply to amend a FAVN result report.  It is recommended that submission forms are typed rather than handwritten. 
• Turnaround time for this test varies greatly. TVMDL is unable to estimate when KSUVDL will have results ready for this test.

For assistance with problems or questions regarding rabies prevention, call your local health department, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), your DSHS Public Health Regional Office, DSHS Zoonosis Control Branch (512-776-7255), or the DSHS Infectious Disease Control Unit (512-776-7455).

Prices listed for tests performed outside TVMDL may not include referral lab accession fees and are subject to change without notice. A processing and shipping fee is added to all referral tests. Turnaround times vary depending on shipping time and the referral lab’s schedule.