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Instructions
for Sending Diagnostic Specimens for Testing by the DVBID Bacterial Zoonoses
Diagnostic Laboratory
1. CDC Submission
Form
Complete a CDC
submission form (CDC 50.34), by downloading
 CDC Data and Specimen Handling (DASH) section
form 50.34 for submission of laboratory specimens (84 KB), or call DVBID for a copy at 970-221-6400.
NOTE: Testing will
not be initiated without the inclusion of:
- unique specimen
identification number
- type of
specimen
(e.g. serum, cf, etc…)
- suspected
etiology
- date of
onset of symptoms
- brief clinical
description
- date of
specimen collection
- antibiotic
treatment received
- any pertinent
travel history
2. Shipping
For information regarding shipping packages and applicable regulations,
please refer to CDC's
Scientific Resources Program for specific information:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/srp/specimens/specimens.html
3. Specimen types
and amounts
- Acute and convalescent
specimens, if available, should be sent together.
- Ideal timing
of specimens:
|
Specimen
|
Timing
|
| Acute |
3 to 10 days
after onset of symptoms |
| Convalescent |
2-3 weeks after
acute sample |
NOTE: If acute
sample is taken prior to 10 days post-onset of symptoms, antibodies
may not have had time to develop and a false negative may result.
- The specimens
listed below may be sent on cold or "blue" ice packs:
| Type of Specimen |
Minimum Amount
Required for Testing |
| Bacterial culture |
Slant, agar
plates, agar stabs |
| Blood (Bacterial
isolation) |
5 mL - 9 mL,
anticoagulant needed |
| Fluids/Aspirates
(Bacterial) |
1 mL - 5 mL
|
| Serum/Plasma/CSF
(Serology) |
0.5 mL or more |
| Tissue (Bacterial
isolation) |
1 cm2 of pathologic
area |
4. Testing Results
Test results are
normally available 10 to 14 days after specimen receipt. Reporting times
for test results may be longer during summer months when bacterial zoonoses
activity increases. Receipt of a hard copy of the results will take 2
weeks after testing completion.
5. Shipping Address
Send all specimens
to: ATTENTION: Bacterial Zoonoses Diagnostic Laboratory, DRS
| Federal Express |
U.S. Post
Office |
CDC - DVBID - BZB
3150 Rampart Road/Foothills Campus
Fort Collins, CO 80521
|
CDC-DVBID-BZB
P.O. Box 2087
Fort Collins, CO 80522 |
6. Further assistance
Additional assistance
may be obtained from the DVBID Bacterial Zoonoses Diagnostic and Reference
Section at 970-221-6444.
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