Microbiology Laboratory Tests: Malaria to Mosquitoes
Microbiology
Malaria (Serological – Forwarded by TDSHS to CDC for testing.)
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| Turnaround Time: 3 weeks | Reference Range: Nonreactive |
| Limitations: May not detect a recent infection, or infection in a person with a severely compromised immune system. | Interpretation: Nonreactive indicates that the patient does not have detectable antibody to the infectious agent. Reactive indicates that the patient has detectable antibody to the infectious agent, and depending on the clinical picture, may have a current or past infection. |
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Specimen Requirements |
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| Specimen Collection: Venipuncture | Sample Type: Serum |
| Volume/Amount Required: 10 mL whole blood | Preferred Specimen: Single Serum |
| Collection/Preservation: Red top or tiger top tube | Storage Instructions: Do not freeze or refrigerate whole blood. Separated serum may be held at 2-8°C |
| Causes for Rejection: Discrepancy between name on tube and name on form, insufficient quantity of serum for testing | Sample Container: Red top or tiger top tube |
| Sample Test Kit: | Availability: |
| Diagnostic Information: If blood films are negative but evidence for malaria is strong then serum is sent to the CDC. Serology is by prior arrangement only, (512) 458-7760. Once cleared, serum specimens are sent to the CDC. Antibody may persist for years, so that an elevated titer cannot be used as evidence for current infection. Emphasis is placed on blood films. A detailed patient history is required. | |
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Specimen Submission |
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| Required Request Form: G-2A | Specimen Handling: Use Universal Precautions |
| Transport Temperature: Ambient temperature for specimens on the blood clot, separated serum at 2-8°C (refrigerated) or -20°C (frozen). | Shipping Requirements: Triple contain, separated serum may be shipped on cold packs (2-8°C), or frozen (-20°C) and mailed on dry ice. |
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Billing |
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| CPT Code: 86750 | Fees: |
Microbiology
Malaria (Microscopic – Direct Stain Giemsa)
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| Test Includes: Microscopic examination | |
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| Results Available: 1 day | Contact #s: (512) 458-7560 |
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Reference |
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| Method: Microscopic examination | |
| Turnaround Time: 24 hours | Reference Range: No parasites found |
| Limitations: Anticoagulants such as EDTA in venous blood specimens can interfere with parasite morphology and staining characteristics | Interpretation: No parasites found indicates that there were no visible parasites in the specimens submitted. |
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Specimen Requirements |
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| Specimen Collection: Finger stick or Venipuncture | Sample Type: Thick/thin Blood Smears; Blood in Purple top |
| Volume/Amount Required: 2 mL whole blood | Preferred Specimen: Thick/thin Blood Smears; Blood in Purple top |
| Collection/Preservation: Collect blood by finger stick. If blood is collected by venipuncture in purple top tube, make 2 thick and 2 thin smears on glass slides within one hour of collection. | Storage Instructions: ambient temperature |
| Causes for Rejection: Incorrect blood tube used. | Sample Container: Purple top vacutainer |
| Sample Test Kit: | Availability: Monday-Friday With prior approval on Saturday/Sunday |
| Diagnostic Information: Anticoagulants such as EDTA in venous blood specimens can interfere with parasite morphology and staining characteristics, this can be further compounded by excessive delay prior to making smears. In such cases capillary blood samples are preferable (finger sticks) . If venous blood is used at least 2 thin and 2 thick smears should be made within 1 hour. | |
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Specimen Submission |
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| Required Request Form: G-2B | Specimen Handling: Handle body fluids using universal precautions. |
| Transport Temperature: Ambient temperature | Shipping Requirements: Triple contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations for diagnostic specimens. |
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Billing |
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| CPT Code: 87207 | Fees: |
Microbiology
Melioidosis Culture (Isolation) See also Aerobic Bacterial Culture (Isolation)
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Test Includes: Conventional biochemicals |
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Results Available: 7-21 days |
Contact #s: (512) 458-7582 |
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Method: Conventional biochemicals |
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Turnaround Time: 7-21 days |
Reference Range: No bacteria isolated. |
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Limitations: |
Interpretation: Isolation of Burholderia pseudomallei should always be considered significant. It is a select agent and must be reported following guidelines for select agents. |
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Specimen Requirements |
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Specimen Collection: Venipuncture, biopsy, needle aspiration |
Sample Type: blood, tissue, aspirates |
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Volume/Amount Required: 20 mL whole blood, small piece of tissue, |
Preferred Specimen: blood, tissue, aspirates |
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Collection/Preservation: Standard collection, transport, and storage techniques are sufficient to ensure the recovery of this organism. |
Storage Instructions: ambient temperature |
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Causes for Rejection: Incorrect collection tube, name on tube/form does not match; broken in transport. |
Sample Container: Tiger top or red top vacutainer; sterile, leak-proof container. |
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Sample Test Kit: |
Availability: Monday-Friday |
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Diagnostic Information: B. pseudomallei is the etiologic agent of melioidosis. Mortality in patients with fulminant sepsis approaches 90%, Melioidosis is most prevalent in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. This organism should be considered in any individual with tuberculosis-like disease who has a travel history to a region of endemicity, even if travel preceded the illness by decades. |
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Specimen Submission |
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Required Request Form: G-2B |
Specimen Handling: Handle body fluids using universal precautions. |
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Transport Temperature: Ambient temperature. |
Shipping Requirements: Triple contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations for diagnostic specimens. |
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Billing |
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CPT Code: 87040 |
Fees: |
Microbiology
Melioidosis (Culture – Identification) See also Aerobic Bacterial Culture, (Identification)
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Test Includes: Conventional Biochemicals, PCR |
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Reporting |
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Results Available: PCR 1 day; 4-21 days |
Contact #s: (512) 458-7582/ 458-7185 |
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Method: Conventional biochemicals, PCR |
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Turnaround Time: PCR 1 day; PCR 4-21 days |
Reference Range: Genus and species reported. |
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Limitations: |
Interpretation: Identification of Burkholderia pseudomallei should always be considered significant. It must be reported following guidelines for a select agent. |
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Specimen Requirements |
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Specimen Collection: |
Sample Type: Pure culture |
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Volume/Amount Required: one specimen per patient |
Preferred Specimen: Pure culture on agar slant |
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Collection/Preservation: Ambient temperature |
Storage Instructions: Ambient temperature |
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Causes for Rejection: Expired transport media, broken or compromised in transport. |
Sample Container: Agar slant in screw cap tube |
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Sample Test Kit: |
Availability: Monday-Friday |
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Diagnostic Information: B. pseudomallei is the etiologic agent of melioidosis. Mortality in patients with fulminant sepsis approaches 90%, Melioidosis is most prevalent in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. This organism should be considered in any individual with tuberculosis-like disease who has a travel history to a region of endemicity, even if travel preceded the illness by decades. |
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Specimen Submission |
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Required Request Form: G2-B |
Specimen Handling: Infectious agent, Biosafety level 2 |
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Transport Temperature: Ambient temperature |
Shipping Requirements: Shipping Requirements: Triple contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations for infectious agents. |
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Billing |
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CPT Code: 87077 |
Fees: |
Microbiology
Microsporidiosis (Microscopic – Modified Trichrome Stain)
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| Test Includes: Microscopic examination | |
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Reporting |
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| Results Available: 3 days | Contact #s: (512) 458-7560 |
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Reference |
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| Method: Microscopic examination | |
| Turnaround Time: 3 days | Reference Range: No parasites found |
| Limitations: | Interpretation: |
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Specimen Requirements |
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| Specimen Collection: feces, tissue | Sample Type: feces, tissue |
| Volume/Amount Required: 15 mL liquid stool, 15 g stool | Preferred Specimen: Feces; tissue |
| Collection/Preservation: Collect stool in clean, dry container. Immediately transfer to formalin preservative. | Storage Instructions: Ambient temperature |
| Causes for Rejection: Unpreserved stool > 5 hours old. | Sample Container: Formalin transport for parasites |
| Sample Test Kit: | Availability: Monday-Friday |
| Diagnostic Information: Feces should be formalin preserved. Other suspect tissue-send tissue or stained slide. | |
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Specimen Submission |
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| Required Request Form: G-2B | Specimen Handling: Handle body fluids using universal precautions. Formalin is a poison, handle with care. |
| Transport Temperature: Ambient temperature | Shipping Requirements: Triple contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations for diagnostic specimens. |
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Billing |
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| CPT Code: 87209 | Fees: |
Microbiology
Milk, Quality Check (Culture- SPC)
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| Test Includes: Standard plate count | |
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Reporting |
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| Results Available: 4 days | Contact #s: (512) 458-7562 |
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| Method: Standard plate count | |
| Turnaround Time: 4 days | Reference Range: By report |
| Limitations: | Interpretation: |
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Specimen Requirements |
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| Specimen Collection: Milk | Sample Type: Milk |
| Volume/Amount Required: According to requirements of the State Milk Program | Preferred Specimen: Milk |
| Collection/Preservation: Milk is collected by state health officials | Storage Instructions: 0-4.4° C |
| Causes for Rejection: Temperature control out of range | Sample Container: whirlpak or milk container |
| Sample Test Kit: | Availability: With prior notification or as routinely scheduled |
| Diagnostic Information: Samples are accepted only from state health officials. Prior notification by the collecting authority is required. | |
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Specimen Submission |
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| Required Request Form: G-84 or G-21 | Specimen Handling: According to FDA guidelines |
| Transport Temperature: 0-4.4° C | Shipping Requirements: Leak-proof containers, refrigerated |
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Microbiology
Milk, Quality Check (Inhibitors)
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| Turnaround Time: 4 days | Reference Range: By report |
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| Volume/Amount Required: | Preferred Specimen: Milk |
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| Sample Test Kit: | Availability: |
| Diagnostic Information: Samples are accepted only from state health officials. Prior notification by the collecting authority is required. | |
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Specimen Submission |
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| Required Request Form: G-84 or G-21 | Specimen Handling: According to FDA Guidelines |
| Transport Temperature: 0-4.4º C | Shipping Requirements: Leak-proof containers, refrigerated |
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Microbiology
Milk, Quality Check (Phosphatase)
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| Turnaround Time: 4 days | Reference Range: By report |
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Specimen Requirements |
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| Specimen Collection: | Sample Type: |
| Volume/Amount Required: | Preferred Specimen: Milk |
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| Causes for Rejection: | Sample Container: |
| Sample Test Kit: | Availability: |
| Diagnostic Information: Samples are accepted only from state health officials. Prior notification by the collecting authority is required. | |
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Specimen Submission |
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| Required Request Form: G-84 or G-21 | Specimen Handling: According to FDA Guidelines |
| Transport Temperature: 0-4.4º C | Shipping Requirements: Leak-proof containers, refrigerated |
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Billing |
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Microbiology
Milk, Quality Check (Added Water)
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Reporting |
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| Results Available: | Contact #s: |
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| Turnaround Time: 4 days | Reference Range: By report |
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Specimen Requirements |
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| Specimen Collection: | Sample Type: |
| Volume/Amount Required: | Preferred Specimen: Milk |
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| Sample Test Kit: | Availability: |
| Diagnostic Information: Samples are accepted only from state health officials. Prior notification by the collecting authority is required. | |
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Specimen Submission |
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| Required Request Form: G-84 or G-21 | Specimen Handling: According to FDA guidelines |
| Transport Temperature: 0-4.4º C | Shipping Requirements: Leak-proof containers, refrigerated. |
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Billing |
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Microbiology
Milk, Quality Check (Aflatoxin)
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Reporting |
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| Method: | |
| Turnaround Time: 4 days | Reference Range: By report |
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Specimen Requirements |
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| Specimen Collection: | Sample Type: |
| Volume/Amount Required: | Preferred Specimen: Milk |
| Collection/Preservation: | Storage Instructions: |
| Causes for Rejection: | Sample Container: |
| Sample Test Kit: | Availability: |
| Diagnostic Information: Samples are accepted only from state health officials. Prior notification by the collecting authority is required. | |
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Specimen Submission |
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| Required Request Form: G-84 or G-21 | Specimen Handling: According to FDA guidelines |
| Transport Temperature: 0-4.4º C | Shipping Requirements: Leak-proof containers, refrigerated. |
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Billing |
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| CPT Code: | Fees: |
Microbiology
Milk, Quality Check (Somatic cell counts)
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Reporting |
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| Results Available: | Contact #s: |
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| Method: | |
| Turnaround Time: 4 days | Reference Range: By report |
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Specimen Requirements |
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| Specimen Collection: | Sample Type: |
| Volume/Amount Required: | Preferred Specimen: Milk |
| Collection/Preservation: | Storage Instructions: |
| Causes for Rejection: | Sample Container: |
| Sample Test Kit: | Availability: |
| Diagnostic Information: Samples are accepted only from state health officials. Prior notification by the collecting authority is required. | |
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Specimen Submission |
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| Required Request Form: G-84 or G-21 | Specimen Handling: According to FDA guidelines |
| Transport Temperature: 0-4.4º C | Shipping Requirements: Leak-proof containers, refrigerated. |
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Billing |
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| CPT Code: | Fees: |
Microbiology
Molecular typing (PFGE)
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| Test Includes: | |
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Reporting |
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| Method: | |
| Turnaround Time: 14 days | Reference Range: By report |
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Specimen Requirements |
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| Specimen Collection: | Sample Type: |
| Volume/Amount Required: | Preferred Specimen: Pure culture, safely contained |
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| Diagnostic Information: Cultures for testing are accepted with prior notification, please call (512) 458-7214. PFGE testing is a useful tool for determining strain relateness and possible l outbreaks or nosocomial outbreaks. At least two isolates from different individuals must be submitted in a suspected outbreak. As part of the PulseNet program, all E. coli O157:H7 and Listeria , selected Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter, and Vibrio, Yersinia are molecularly typed. The patterns are posted to the National PulseNet Database allowing for identification of outbreaks that may not be regionally contained. | |
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Specimen Submission |
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| Required Request Form: G-2B | Specimen Handling: |
| Transport Temperature: Ambient (Room) temperature | Shipping Requirements: |
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Billing |
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| CPT Code: 87152 | Fees: |