Bacillus anthracis

Brief Description

This real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) molecular assay is intended for the qualitative detection of Bacillus anthracis DNA from clinical specimens exhibiting colony morphology and bio-chemical testing consistent with an agent of bioterrorism. Additional reflex testing at the GPHL may be used to confirm specific agents.

Laboratory Unit

Molecular Biology

Methodology

RT-PCR

Specimen Collection

  • Whole blood:
    • Collect in an EDTA or sodium citrate tube.
  • Serum:
    • Collect in an SST tube, centrifuge.
  • Plasma:
    • Collect in an EDTA or sodium citrate tube.
  • Pleural fluid:
    • Collect in a sterile container.
  • Respiratory specimens (transtracheal aspirates or bronchial lavages):
    • Collect in a sterile container.
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF):
    • Collect in a sterile container.

NOTE: Samples below may only be submitted when coordinated with law enforcement.

  • Environmental samples (Swab, powder, liquid, envelope, letter, or package):
    • Collect in a sterile container.

Storage/Transport

Consultation with district epidemiologist required prior to submission.

  • Whole Blood can be maintained at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C) during transit.
  • Serum can be maintained at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C) during transit.
  • Plasma can be maintained at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C) during transit.
  • Pleural fluid can be maintained at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C) during transit.
  • Transtracheal aspirates can be maintained at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C) during transit.
  • Bronchial lavage can be maintained at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C) during transit as.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid can be maintained at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C) during transit.
  • Environmental samples can be maintained at ambient temperature (15-30°C) during transit.
  • Download this pdf file. FRM-QA 4 Refrigeration Outfit Guide

Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

  • Whole blood
  • Serum
  • Plasma
  • Pleural fluid
  • Transtracheal aspirates
  • Bronchial lavage
  • CSF
  • Environmental samples

Test Request

Possible Results

  • Detected
  • Not detected
  • Unsatisfactory
  • Inconclusive

Reference Range

Not detected

Unacceptable Conditions

  • Missing testing requisition form
  • Missing minimum of 2 patient identifiers
  • Improper labeling
  • Specimen damaged, broken, or leaked in transit
  • Improper storage/transport of specimen
  • No specimen received (empty collection tube).
  • Wrong specimen type
  • Low volume

Interfering Substances

N/A

Result Reported

1-2 business days

Turnaround times may be affected by the scale of the event.

Fees

No charge

LOINC/Order Codes

11469-4 (Order code: BTC01000)

Additional Information

This test will only be used in response to a biothreat event.  Requestor must contact GPHL at 1-866-PUB-HLTH (1-866-782-4584) prior to submitting specimens for testing