MU Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

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You are here: Home / One Health-Rabies Laboratory / MU VMDL RFFIT Sample Submission Information and Instructions

MU VMDL RFFIT Sample Submission Information and Instructions

The One Health-Rabies Laboratory at the University of Missouri holds a CLIA Certificate of Registration to perform human rabies serology for vaccine response monitoring. Human samples submitted for rabies antibody testing are analyzed using the Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFIT) method.  This serum neutralization assay measures the amount of rabies virus neutralizing antibodies (RVNA) available to neutralize rabies virus in a serum sample.  We provide two different RFFIT resulting methods.  See explanation of RFFIT testing methods in RFFIT Test description below.

MU RFFIT Submission form

  • A completed MU RFFIT Submission form is required for submission of sample(s).
    • RFFIT Submission Form
    • For questions about the pdf fillable form, contact us at 573-882-3646 or muvmdlrabies@missouri.edu

RFFIT Tests description

  • RFFIT Screen test ($47.00):  Yields a qualitative result of < 0.5 IU/mL or >/= 0.5 IU/mL.
  • RFFIT Endpoint test ($65.00):  Yields a quantitative result between 0.1 IU/mL to 10.0 IU/mL. 

NOTE:  If test is not specified on RFFIT submission form, submitted sample(s) will be tested as an endpoint.  Client will be charged accordingly.

Specimen

  • 0.5 – 2.0 mL of clear serum in an unbreakable, leak proof tube labeled with the first and last name and/or Identification number.

Packing

  • See instructions at https://vmdl.missouri.edu/sample-submission-information/
  • Pack each sample in a separate clear plastic bag with adsorbent material.

Shipping information

  • Ship to:              

One Health-Rabies Section/MU VMDL
901 East Campus Loop
Columbia, MO 65211

  • 1- or 2-day shipment via courier is recommended.
  • See option for a FedEx Billable Stamp and shipping supplies at https://cvmweb.missouri.edu/Docs/VMDL/VMDL_Client_Supplies_Order_Form.pdf

Result Reports

  • Electronic results will be sent to the submitting clinic via fax and/or email.

Interpretation and Reporting

Interpretation RFFIT Endpoint:

ResultInterpretation
LESS THAN 0.1 IU/mLRabies Antibody not detected or below level of quantitation.   
Numerical value < 0.5 IU/mL Rabies Antibody detected below acceptable level.
Numerical value >/= 0.5 IU/mLRabies Antibody detected at or above an acceptable level. *See below

Interpretation RFFIT Screen:

ResultInterpretation
< 0.5 IU/mLRabies Antibody not detected or detected below acceptable level.
>/= 0.5 IU/mL Rabies Antibody detected at or above an acceptable level. *See below

*For humans – a rabies virus neutralizing antibody (RVNA) result of 0.5 IU/mL or higher is considered an acceptable response to rabies vaccination per the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the World Health Organization recommendations. Results are confidential personal health information. All disclosures must be in accordance with HIPAA. Note: The symbol “>/=” means “greater than or equal to.”

Payment

  • Test fees can be found at https://vmdl.missouri.edu/tests-and-fees-all/
  • The submitting clinic is the client and is responsible for payment.
  • International clients are required to complete payment before testing can proceed. Lack of payment within a week will result in cancellation of the submission.

How to Pay for RFFIT Testing:

Debit/Credit Card/Web Checks: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Debit Card and Web Check payments can be made online at:  https://mvl.missouri.edu/vmdlpayment/  .  Please type your name and account (or invoice) number and then click the “Start Payment Process” button.

Check (Cheque) or Money Order: Checks and money orders can be made payable to Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory and sent with the sample or sent directly to:

Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
P.O. Box 6023
Columbia, MO 65205
U.S.A.

Please do not send any medical specimens to the PO Box listed above.

Questions about Billing?

Phone 573-882-6811
Email: mucvmvmdlbusiness@missouri.edu

If a payment is not received, an invoice will be sent to the submitting clinic.  

Tests and Fees

  • Tests and Fees
  • Avian Tests and Fees
  • Canine Tests and Fees
  • Equine Tests and Fees
  • Feline Tests and Fees
  • Porcine Tests and Fees
  • Ruminant Tests and Fees
  • Summary List of Tests and Fees

Message from the Director

The University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (VMDL) is a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory and Missouri’s only laboratory accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. The VMDL is a Level I Lab of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, Tier I Lab of the FDA Veterinary Laboratory Response Network, and a National Poultry Improvement Plan authorized lab. The VMDL maintains an effective quality assurance and quality control program.

The VMDL has formal anatomical pathology, clinical pathology, and clinical microbiology training programs. The VMDL faculty hold academic appointments in the Departments of Veterinary Pathobiology and Veterinary Biomedical Sciences. The director is administratively responsible to the dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine for the overall operation of the laboratory and its multiple missions of public service, teaching, research and continuing education/extension.

The VMDL faculty and staff work diligently to provide relevant, timely and cost-effective diagnostic services to our clients and to create a positive learning environment for our students and residents. In 2024, veterinarians, animal owners and researchers from 103 Missouri counties and cities, as well as from 51 states and provinces outside Missouri, continued to rely on the Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory’s (VMDL) diagnostic services. The lab performed approximately 63,500 total cases and conducted nearly 204,500 tests.

About the MU VMDL

The VMDL is a full-service laboratory accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD). The VMDL provides in-depth laboratory diagnostic support to veterinary practitioners, livestock and poultry industry interests, companion animal interests, wildlife conservationists, scientists utilizing animals in their research throughout the university, state and regulatory officials, and clinicians of the MU Veterinary Health Center.

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901 E. Campus Loop
Columbia, MO 65211

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