Featured Q&A from Louisiana State University
What kind of tests are currently used to detect rabies and how accurate are they?
Interim Laboratory Director and Consultant
The test we perform here at LSU Diagnostics is the Direct Fluorescent Antibody Test (DFA). This test uses fluorescently labeled anti-rabies antibody to detect the rabies antigen in the tissue. The test is performed in our lab primarily on brain tissue from an animal that is suspected of having Rabies.
The test is very accurate. The DFA has a high sensitivity and specificity for detecting rabies and has been evaluated by the CDC and is deemed to be very accurate.
