What temperature range must the head or brain of an animal be kept at for rabies testing?

For rabies testing, the head or brain of an animal must be kept within a temperature range of -32 to -45 degrees Fahrenheit. This low-temperature range is essential for preserving the integrity of the samples collected for testing. Rabies is a viral disease that can degrade rapidly if not handled and stored properly; thus, subzero temperatures are necessary to maintain the viability of the virus present in the nervous tissue.

When samples are stored at these temperatures, it ensures that the viral RNA remains intact, allowing for accurate testing and diagnosis of rabies. The preservation of samples in the designated range is crucial in preventing the degradation of the pathogen, which would otherwise jeopardize the results of the testing procedures.