Pasteur Institute of India

RFFIT

Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFIT)

The Pasteur Institute of India, Coonoor carries out the estimation of rabies serum neutralizing antibody content by a method called Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFIT) for rabies vaccine immunized human and other pet animals in order to confirm the production of rabies neutralizing antibodies in the immunized individuals and other pet animals.

By performing this test, we can confirm the immunized person or other pet animals whether they have got minimum protective level of rabies antibodies to protect them against rabies infection and also preventing rabies transmission.

This test is useful to find out the level of rabies neutralizing antibody present in the immunized person, laboratory workers and professionals (doctors), all pet animals and in the manufacturers of equine or human rabies immunoglobulin production units and vaccine manufacturers to perform their field efficacy studies.

How to send the samples

(a) Human Rabies Antibody titre for immunized individual

Collect the blood sample and separate the serum aseptically as detaild below (I) and transfer the serum sample into a sterile screw capped vial, tightly close the vial put it in a polythene bag. Send it in a thermocol box containing ice coolant.

(I) Separation of Serum

(1) Collect blood in a Sterile 2 ml or 5 ml syringe / Vacutainer (without containing anticoagulants / Seperating Gels /Clot activators).

(2) Transfer the blood in a sterile glass / polypropylene tube (without containing anticoagulants/ Separating Gels/ Clot activators).

(3) Keep it at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes for clotting or allow until to clot.

(4) Then centifuge the tube for 5 to 10 minutes at about 2500 Revolution per minute (RPM).

(5) After Centrifugation, transfer the light yellow coloured, clear supernatant alone in a sterile Nunc vial /tube. Minimium 0.5 ml of serum sample required for the test.

(6) Close the container properly and label it.

" DETAILS REQUIRED FOR HUMAN SERUM ANALYSIS OF RABIES ANTIBODIES BY RFFIT METHOD - Click here

(b) Dog/Cat Rabies Antibody titre

Collect your dog/cat’s blood sample and separate the serum aseptically as detailed below (II) and transfer the serum sample into a sterile screw capped vial, tightly close the vial put it in a polythene bag. Send it in a thermocol box containing ice coolant. With the help of veterinary doctor give the following details of your dog/cat:

II
1. Name of the Animal
2. Species
3.
4. Breed
5. Age/Date of Birth
6. Colour
7. Microchip No. (if available)
8. Date of Last Rabies Vaccination
9. Rabies Vaccine Details (brand & immunization schedule with date)
10. Hospital/Veterinary Doctor where vaccination done
11. Date of Blood Collection
12. Owner’s Name & Address (including phone number and email)

Format (MS Word)

(c) Manufacturers of equine or human rabies immunoglobulin

Send the sera samples in sterile vials tightly closed and sealed with a cello tape. We need to have about 5 ml. of serum per sample. If the sample is hyper immune equine origin or intermediate bulk sample, please inform the expected neutralizing titre value in order to choose the dilution of serum in the test to be included. The samples should be sent in a thermocol box containing ice coolant.

Results:

The results will be sent to the given address within 15-20 days, after the receipt of the sample, by Speed Post. On request, the scanned copies will be sent by email in advance.

Testing Charges:

The cost of testing charge is Rs.3000/- (Rupees three thousand only) per sample. The payment may be made in the form of Demand Draft drawn in favour of “The Director, Pasteur Institute of India” payable at ‘Coonoor’. The Demand Draft should be accompanied along with the parcel.

Details of online payment:

Name: The Director, Pasteur Institute of India, Coonoor
Bank Name: Bank of Baroda
Branch: Coonoor
Account Number: 10490100001689
IFSC Code: BARB0COONOO (fifth character is zero)

Address for samples to be sent:

The samples to be packed in good condition, taking into consideration of the breakage/leakage during the transit, and send it with a covering letter stating all details along with the demand draft to:

The Director,
Pasteur Institute of India,
Landmark: Opposite to Sim's Park,
Kotagiri Road,
Coonoor - 643 103,
The Nilgiris,
Tamil Nadu,
India.

The samples may be sent by Speed Post / any courier service available in Coonoor.

Whom to be contacted:

1. Dr. A. Premkumar, Assistant Director - Ph.9442533645/ e - Mail: piicrabiesdiagnosis@gmail.com

World Health Organization page - https://www.who.int/rabies/human/test_antibody/en/