There are currently no satisfactory tests for diagnosing rabies in live animals. All give an unacceptable number of false-negative results. Rabies FA testing requires fresh, unfixed brain tissue. For other species, just the animal's head and upper neck should be submitted. This work should be done in a properly ventilated area using adequate protective gear.
Many health departments work with local veterinarians to safely and humanely euthanize bats.
Contact the local health department to determine who does this in your area. Only specimens sent under the auspices of the local health department will be accepted for testing. Special reusable specimen containers are available from the local health department. Any animal with a confirmed positive rabies FA test is considered capable of transmitting rabies. A negative FA test performed with an adequate specimen reliably rules out the possibility that the animal tested was capable of transmitting rabies.