Skip to main content

Bacillus Anthracis

Definitive ID: Bacillus Anthracis

Laboratory Fee Schedule

Procedure: BTA0003

CPT: 87040, 87070, 87077

Synonym(s):     Bacillus anthracis culture, anthrax
Requisition Form G-27A.
Test Description  Culture identification for Bacillus anthracis.
Pre-Approval Needed Must notify BioThreat Team prior to sample submission: (512) 689-5537.
Supplemental Information Required N/A
Supplemental Form(s) N/A
Performed on Specimens from (sources) Any
Sample/Specimen Type for Testing Pure isolate.
Minimum Volume/Size Required 1 agar slant or plate.
Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping Ambient
Transport Medium N/A
Specimen Labeling

Human

  • At least 2 patient specific identifiers: First and last name as one identifier and a DOB or a unique patient specific identifier (e.g. medical record number).
  • Specimen identification must match submission form.

Non-Human or Environmental

  • Sample identification must match submission form.
Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements
  • Ship according to Dangerous Good Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49.
  • Handled as infectious agent using universal precautions.
  • Triple contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations for infectious agents.
  • See also Emergency Preparedness resources online.
  • Notify BioThreat Team prior to sample submission: (512) 689-5537.
Method Conventional biochemical methods
Turn-around Time Preliminary result 1 day after receipt, final result 3-7 days.
Interferences/Limitations Material must be viable. Improper storage or shipping temperatures may limit organism recovery.
Common Causes for Rejection Insufficient quantity, unacceptable specimen type or source, improper shipping conditions, expired media or collection container, discrepancies between specimen label and submission form, and/or incomplete or missing submission form
Additional Information Will be paired with Bacillus anthracis – PCR.