ClostridiumPCR

Synonym(s):

Requisition Form

Test Description

Pre-Approval Needed

• DSHS Epidemiology consultation with physician required 
• Must notify BioThreat Team prior to sample submission: (512) 689-5537

Supplemental Information Required

Supplemental Form(s)

Performed on Specimens from (sources)

• Human
• Environmental
• Food (associated with a positive clinical sample)

Sample/Specimen Type for Testing

• Anaerobic isolate 
• Stool 
• Gastric 
• Water enema 
• Wound swab 
• Tissue 
• Food (associated with a positive clinical sample)

Minimum Volume/Size Required

Feces

• Infant 5-10 g or 5 mL enema
• Adult 5-50 g or 5 mL enema 

Vomitus or gastric aspirate

• 20 mL 

Food

• 50 g

Wound swab

• 1 required, 2 preferred

Tissue

• Pea-sized sample

Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping

Wound and tissue

• Maintain at ambient temperature               

All others

• Maintain at 2° to 8° C (refrigerated)

Transport Medium

Specimen Labeling

Human

• Two patient-specific identifiers required (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, Medical record number)
• Identifiers on specimen must exactly match submission form.

Non-Human, Environmental or Food

• 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

Turn-around Time

Interferences/Limitations

• Use dacron or rayon swabs for sample collection, as cotton swabs interfere with PCR.

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
• Incomplete or missing submission form

Additional Information