Rabies Testing
National Food and Veterinary Risk Assessment Institute (NFVRAI) is:
- National Reference laboratory of rabies testing
- an EU-approved laboratory for rabies serology in Lithuania: https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/movement-pets/approved-rabies-serology-laboratories_en
The rabies tests undertaken by NFVRAI are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 ensuring the highest quality. Our highly skilled team of researchers is ready to provide the highest quality service from sample receipt to result reporting.
Rabies Antibody Testing For Pet Travel is performed by the Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) Method.
The FAVN test measures the response of an animal’s immune system to the rabies vaccine. It is used to detect rabies virus neutralizing antibody (level of rabies serum in the blood stream) after vaccination.
Our laboratory has been providing FAVN test since 2005. We offer the internationally recognized FAVN rabies test which is accepted for pet travel throughout the world.
We accept samples from customers worldwide at a highly competitive price.
Note: The NFVRAI does not provide sample sending services. You should contact DHL, TNT or other service providers.
Information on rabies antibody test for traveling with dogs, cats and ferrets
Sample submittion
The test can be performed on blood serum from clotted blood. Microchip identification must be implanted prior to blood sample draw and the number must be recorded accurately on the submission form and the sample tube.
A blood sample should be taken by authorized veterinarian at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 45 days before the date of importation.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02013R0577-20141229
Note: However, please verify the requirements of the destination country as some have a longer waiting period before sampling.
Volume of the sample
1 ml serum (preferable) or 3 ml clotted blood should be sent in a plain tube, must be labeled legibly with the animal’s microchip number.
Labelling
Mark all samples clearly and directly on the sample container, as well as the lid. Any masking tape or colored lab-style tape placed on sample vials will fall off during shipment if in the presence of dry ice. Do not use these types of tape to label samples if you plan on shipping samples on dry ice.
Storage
If quick sending is not possible, the clotted sample should be kept at room temperature for a day and not be refrigerated. After the clot has formed, sample should be held at +4oC.
It is better to remove serum unless blood can be dispatched promptly. Serum should be kept deep frozen. Avoid haemolysis.
Serum sample must be relatively clear, lipemic or grossly hemolyzed samples cannot be tested.
Blood should be kept cool before dispatch and sent to NFVRAI as quickly as possible http://nmvrvi.lt.
NFVRAI is open to accept samples Monday – Thursday, 8 am – 5 pm. and Friday 8 am – 15:45 pm.
Send Samples to:
National Food and Veterinary Risk Assessment Institute
Virology Unit
J. Kairiukscio str.10
Vilnius LT-08409
Lithuania
Submission form
Veterinarian should complete the sample submission form (Request for determination of antibodies against rabies )
Testing
Tests will be carried out once a week and set up on Tuesday.
Samples should be delivered to the laboratory no later than Tuesday 10.00; otherwise the samples will be tested next week (it will last 5-7 working days from sample receipt).
Changes in schedule are possible on the holidays (please contact Virology Unit for exact details by e-mail: ingrida.jaceviciene@nmvrvi.lt).
Reporting of the Results
Test results will be completed on Thursday afternoon and reported on Friday, so the results are usually reported within 4-7 days.
If there is necessity to repeat the test, the results will be reported next Friday.
Test results will be delivered only after the fee is paid.
The laboratory reports the result expressed in International Units per milliliter (IU/mL). An antibody level greater than or equal to 0.5IU/ml is considered an adequate response to vaccination for the purposes of commercial and non-commercial pet travel.
Price per test is 51.00 Eu – incl. fee for preparing the Test Report in English.
Payment
After the sample has brought or sent to the laboratory, a receptionist will give out or send an invoice by fax or email (noted in the submission form) to the customer.
The payment can be made by bank transfer or cash at the sample reception office before delivering test results.