Application of the Paper Disc Technique to the Collection of Whole Blood and Serum Samples in Studies on Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis

Serum and whole blood samples were collected on paper discs from horses and wild birds in southern Georgia for neutralization tests against eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus. The discs of white adsorbent paper were saturated with small amounts of blood or serum, dried by exposure to air and mailed to the laboratory. Although the neutralization titers of the paper eluates were lower than those derived from fluid serum controls, the reduction did not impair the validity of the test or render interpretation difficult. The method simplified the collection and handling. A minimum of storage and shipping facilities were required and very small quantities of blood and serum could be tested. The procedure appears to be of value in epizootiological studies.