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How to Investigate Unexplained Respiratory Disease Outbreaks (URDO)

Specimen Collection & Handling

These guidelines were written for healthcare providers and public health staff to use during a respiratory disease outbreak when the pathogen is unknown. These guidelines cover general specimen collection, storage, and handling.

Specimen Collection Guidelines Learn more about Adobe Acrobat Reader (150K, 8 pages)
The specimens listed in this document are those that may need to be collected to detect the etiologic agent during a respiratory disease outbreak.

Specimen Labeling, Storage, and Handling Learn more about Adobe Acrobat Reader (60K, 7 pages)
Guidelines for storage and handling of clinical specimens during a respiratory disease outbreak when the pathogen is unknown.

CDC Specimen Submission Form 50.34
A completed CDC Specimen Submission Form 50.34 is required to ship specimens to CDC.
Note: Prior approval should be obtained from CDC prior to shipping.

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