Definitive ID: Francisella tularensis

Laboratory Fee Schedule
Procedure #:  BTA0008
CPT:  87077

Synonym(s): Francisella tularensis, Francisella,  Tularemia, Rabbit fever
Requisition Form G-27A
Test Description Culture identification for Francisella tularensis
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)

Human

Animal

Environmental
Sample/Specimen Type for Testing
  • Pure culture isolate
  • Respiratory Secretions (sputum, bronchial/trachea wash, pleural fluid)
  • Tissue (lung, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, biopsy, ulcer scraping)
  • Fluid/Aspirate
  • Bone Marrow
  • Autopsy/necropsy
Minimum Volume/Size Required

Culture isolates

  • 1 plate or slant
Liquids 
  • 1 mL
Solids
  • 2 grams
Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping Culture isolates ambient, clinical samples 2-8° (cold), keep tissue moist
Transport Medium N/A
Specimen Labeling
  • Two patient-specific identifiers required (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, Medical record number)
  • Identifiers on specimen must exactly 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 1-21 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 PCR: Francisella tularensis