Rabies Virus Antibody Screen (RFFIT)
The Rabies Virus Antibody Screen (RFFIT) measures the level of rabies virus-neutralizing antibodies in an animal’s serum using the Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test. This test is considered the gold standard for assessing protective immunity against rabies virus. It is used to evaluate the immune response following rabies vaccination, ensuring that the animal has developed adequate antibody levels to confer protection. The RFFIT is particularly important for animals traveling to rabies-free countries or regions, where proof of sufficient rabies immunity is often required.
4 ml Serum
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Collect an adequate amount of blood in a plain red-top tube or serum separator tube (yellow-top tube). Allow it to clot at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before separation.
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Centrifuge to separate the serum. Transfer the clear serum into a new, leak-proof plain red-top tube and label it as “serum.”
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Excessively hemolyzed samples are not suitable for this test.
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Unspun samples will not be accepted.
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Refrigerate sample at 4oC until shipment.
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Label each sample with the animal’s name and a unique identifier, using a permanent marker or a secure adhesive label
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Ensure the submittal form is completed with the animal’s information and relevant medical history.
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Moore, M. C., Davis, R. D., Kang, Q., et al. (2017). Comparison of the Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test and the Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization Test for Measuring Rabies Virus Neutralizing Antibodies in Dogs and Cats. Biologicals, 46, 38-41.
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World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). (2021). Rabies (Infection with Rabies Virus and Other Lyssaviruses). In Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals. OIE.
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Rupprecht, C. E., Kuzmin, I. V., & Meslin, F. X. (2019). Lyssaviruses and Rabies: Current Conundrums, Concerns, Contradictions and Controversies. F1000Research, 6, 184.