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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is There A Rabies Test Available?

A dog bit me 5 days back. I have already been injected with 2 vaccine doses.Can you please let me know if some tests are available there which could confirm that rabies virus has been removed from my body if they were present earlier.I mean, is there any such rabies test available ?
Tue, 15 Jul 2014
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Pathologist and Microbiologist 's  Response
Hi,
Welcome to health care magic and thanks for asking.
There is only one single way of testing for rabies in animals - thats by brain biopsy.
In humans, multiple tests can be performed. No test is 100% accurate.
Tests that can be performed are
1. Saliva can be tested by virus isolation or reverse transcription followed by polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
2. Serum and spinal fluid are tested for antibodies to rabies virus.
3. Skin biopsy specimens are examined for rabies antigen in the cutaneous nerves at the base of hair follicles.

However, I need to caution you, the test on animal is specific and accurate but involves killing the animal.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
I find this answer helpful
Geriatrics Specialist Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda's  Response
Hi,
Welcome to health care magic and thanks for asking.
There is only one single way of testing for rabies in animals - that is by brain biopsy.
In humans, multiple tests can be performed. No test is 100% accurate.
Tests that can be performed are
1. Saliva can be tested by virus isolation or reverse transcription followed by polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
2. Serum and spinal fluid are tested for antibodies to rabies virus.
3. Skin biopsy specimens are examined for rabies antigen in the cutaneous nerves at the base of hair follicles.

However, I need to caution you, the test on animal is specific and accurate but involves killing the animal.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
I find this answer helpful

 1 user finds this helpful

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Is There A Rabies Test Available?

Hi, Welcome to health care magic and thanks for asking. There is only one single way of testing for rabies in animals - thats by brain biopsy. In humans, multiple tests can be performed. No test is 100% accurate. Tests that can be performed are 1. Saliva can be tested by virus isolation or reverse transcription followed by polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). 2. Serum and spinal fluid are tested for antibodies to rabies virus. 3. Skin biopsy specimens are examined for rabies antigen in the cutaneous nerves at the base of hair follicles. However, I need to caution you, the test on animal is specific and accurate but involves killing the animal. Any further queries, happy to help again.