Microbiology Laboratory Tests: B

Microbiology
Babesiosis (Serological - Forwarded by TDSHS to CDC for Testing)
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Test Includes: Assay for immune response to Babesiosis Infection

Reporting
Results Available: 3 weeks Contact #s: 512-458-7614

Reference
Method: EIA  
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. 

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Venipuncture Sample Type: Serum
Volume/Amount Required: 10 mL whole blood Preferred Specimen:  Single Serum
Collection/Preservation: red of 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 or tiger top tube
Sample Test Kit: Availability: Specimen sent to CDC for testing
Diagnostic Information:  Prior notification is requested (512) 458-7760. A detailed patient history is required. Serum specimens are forwarded to the CDC.  Testing is done by indirect immunofluorescence. Definitive diagnosis is made by identifying intraerythrocytic organisms in peripheral blood. Cross-reactions may occur with malaria.

Specimen Submission
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.

Billing
CPT Code: 86753 Fees:

 

Microbiology
Babesiosis (Microscopic - Stain)
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Test Includes:

Reporting
Results Available: Contact #s:

Reference
Method:  
Turnaround Time:  24 hours Reference Range:
Limitations: Interpretation:

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required: Preferred Specimen:  Blood; think and thick film, EDTA antiicoagulant is acceptable.
Collection/Preservation: Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection: Sample Container:
Sample Test Kit: Availability:
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.

Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2B Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature:  Ambient (Room) temperature Shipping Requirements:

Billing
CPT Code: 87207 Fees:

 

Microbiology
Bacillus anthracis (Culture - Isolation)
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Test Includes:

Reporting
Results Available: Contact #s:

Reference
Method:  
Turnaround Time: Reference Range:   
Limitations: Interpretation:

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required: Preferred Specimen:   
Collection/Preservation: Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection: Sample Container:
Sample Test Kit: Availability:
Diagnostic Information:  See Anthrax Culture (Isolation) For Bioterrorism agents, See Bioterrorism agents (Clinical -Isolation).

Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G1A Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature: Shipping Requirements:

Billing
CPT Code: 87073, 87075 Fees:

 

Microbiology
Bacillus cereus (Culture-Isolation)
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Test Includes: Conventional biochemicals

Reporting
Results Available: 2-14 days Contact #s: (512) 458-7582

Reference
Method: Conventional biochemicals  
Turnaround Time: 14 days Reference Range:  None Isolated
Limitations: Organism must be viable. Interpretation: No Bacillus cereus indicates that there was no viable organism present. It does not rule out the presence of toxin produced by the organism.

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Food samples only Sample Type: food
Volume/Amount Required: 25 grams of food for each pathogen to be tested. Preferred Specimen:  25 grams of food for each pathogen to be tested.
Collection/Preservation: Food samples collected by sanitarian, stored at 4-8° C Storage Instructions: stored at 4-8° C
Causes for Rejection: Insufficient specimen, not collected by sanitarian, improperly stored. Sample Container: whirlpaks or clean, dry containers.
Sample Test Kit: Availability: Monday-Friday
Diagnostic Information:  See Food Poisoning (Culture - Isolation)

Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2B Specimen Handling: Handle in accordance with FDA protocols for collection and handling of specimens for food testing. A chain of custody form is necessary in the event of an incident involving the legal authorities.
Transport Temperature:  4-8° C Shipping Requirements: Leak proof container

Billing
CPT Code: 87076 Fees:

 

Microbiology
Balantidiasis (Microscopic - Direct Concentration)
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Test Includes: Microscopic examination

Reporting
Results Available: 3 days Contact #s: (512) 458-7560

Reference
Method: Microscopic examination  
Turnaround Time:  3 days Reference Range:  No parasites found
Limitations: Fecal specimens must be sent fresh (less than 5 hours) or in PVA and formalin preservative. Interpretation:

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: feces Sample Type: feces
Volume/Amount Required: 10-20 grams Preferred Specimen:  Feces (less than 5 hours) or in PVA and formalin preservativees.
Collection/Preservation: Fecal specimens must be sent fresh (less than 5 hours) or in PVA and formalin preservative. Storage Instructions: Ambient temperature
Causes for Rejection: unpreserved specimen > 5 hours old. Sample Container: Clean, dry container or PVA and formalin transport tubes
Sample Test Kit: Availability: Monday-Friday
Diagnostic Information:  Fecal specimens must be sent fresh (less than 5 hours) or in PVA and formalin preservative. Referred material accepted from hospital, private, and reference labs.

Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2B Specimen Handling: Body fluids handled with universal precautions. Formalin and PVA are poisonous. Handle with caution.
Transport Temperature:  Ambient temperature Shipping Requirements: Triple contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations for diagnostic specimens.

Billing
CPT Code: 87177 Fees:

 

Microbiology
Baywaters (Environmental)
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Test Includes: Conventional biochemicals

Reporting
Results Available: 1 day Contact #s: (512) 458-7611

Reference
Method: Conventional biochemicals  
Turnaround Time:  1 day Reference Range: Negative
Limitations: Baywaters must be collected and maintained at 0-10°C Interpretation: Negative test results indicate that the detectable bacterial level is below the threshold considered reportable.

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Baywaters Sample Type: Baywaters
Volume/Amount Required: Preferred Specimen:  Baywaters
Collection/Preservation: Collected by Seafood safety division, 0-10° C Storage Instructions: 0-10° C
Causes for Rejection: Temperature control out of range. Insufficient sample for testing. Sample Container: Water bottle provided by Seafood Safety.
Sample Test Kit: n/a Availability: Monday-Friday. 
Saturday-Sunday as required by program with prior notification
Diagnostic Information:  Submission of samples accepted only from Seafood Safety Division with prior notification.

Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: Seafood safety line listing Specimen Handling: In accordance with FDA Shellfish regulations for bay water testing.
Transport Temperature:  0-10° C Shipping Requirements: Leakproof container shipped at appropriate temperature (0-10° C) with temperature control bottle enclosed.

Billing
CPT Code: Fees:

 

Microbiology
Bioterrorism agents (Environmental - Isolation)
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Test Includes: Conventional biochemicals, PCR, DFA, Time-resolved Fluorescence

Reporting
Results Available: 3-5 days Contact #s: 512-458-7185

Reference
Method:  
Turnaround Time:  Preliminary report 1 day,  Final report 3-5 days. Reference Range:  By report
Limitations: Interpretation:

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Sample Type: Suspicious powders, packages, triple contained to prevent leakage.
Volume/Amount Required: Preferred Specimen:  Powders triple contained to prevent leakage.
Collection/Preservation: Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection: Sample Container:
Sample Test Kit: Availability:
Diagnostic Information:  Submission of suspected powders, packages, etc. must be made through the local EMS, Police, or FBI office.  NO submissions will be accepted from private citizens.   Contact laboratory at 458-7185 before submission. Packages must be screened by the authorities for the presence of explosives, poisons, radioactivity, and flammable, oxidizing, or corrosive material.  No chemical or drug testing is provided at TDSHS.  Authorities submitting specimens for testing must complete a chain of custody form at TDSHS completing the required information which includes a contact person, telephone number, agency to receive the final report, person or department authorized to pick up the specimen, all identifying information, and whether the sample is to be returned or destroyed. The submitter must arrange transportation to TDSHS for testing.

Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: Chain of Custody Specimen Handling: Universal precautions
Transport Temperature:  Ambient temperature Shipping Requirements: Triple contained and delivered by local EMS, Police, or FBI.

Billing
CPT Code: Fees:

 

Microbiology
Bioterrorism agents (Clinical-Isolation)
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Test Includes:

Reporting
Results Available: Contact #s:

Reference
Method:  
Turnaround Time:  Preliminary report 1 day for Anthrax only.  Final report 3-21 days. Reference Range:  Absence of agent of bioterrorism requested.
Limitations: Interpretation:

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required: Preferred Specimen:  Exudate, sputum, lymph node aspirates, blood, CSF
Collection/Preservation: Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection: Sample Container:
Sample Test Kit: Availability:
Diagnostic Information:  Contact laboratory at (512) 776-3781 before submission.  Submission of clinical specimens for testing is restricted to testing that cannot be performed at a Level A laboratory or local clinical laboratory or to specimens linked with a suspected or known outbreak or bioterroristic event.  Coordination through the proper local or state health authorities is required.  For Individual organisms see: Anthrax Culture (Isolation) Brucellosis Culture – (Isolation) Tularemia (Culture - Isolation) Yersinia pestis  (Culture – Isolation)

Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-27A  Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature:  2-8°C (refrigerated) Shipping Requirements:

Billing
CPT Codes: 87081 (screening), 87040, 87045, 87046, 87070, 87071, 87073 87077, 87143, 87147, 87181, 87205, 87206, 87210, 87278, 87430, 87449, 87073, 87075 Fees:

 

Microbiology
Bioterrorism agents (Referred - Identification)
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Test Includes:

Reporting
Results Available: Contact #s:

Reference
Method:  
Turnaround Time:  Preliminary report 1 day for Anthrax only. Fianl report in 3-10 days. Reference Range:  By report
Limitations: Interpretation:

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required: Preferred Specimen:  Pure culture, safely contained.
Collection/Preservation: Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection: Sample Container:
Sample Test Kit: Availability:
Diagnostic Information:  Contact laboratory at (512) 776-3781 before submission.  Culture submitted will be ruled out or confirmed as the suspected agent of Bioterrorism.  The final report will be telephoned to the submitter immediately when the testing has been completed. For Individual organisms see: Anthrax Culture (Isolation) Brucellosis Culture – (Isolation) Tularemia (Culture - Isolation) Yersinia pestis  (Culture – Isolation)

Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-27A  Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature:  Ambient (Room) temperature Shipping Requirements:

Billing
CPT Code: 87076, 87077 Fees:

 

Microbiology
Bioterrorism agents (Referred Identification - PCR)
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Test Includes:

Reporting
Results Available: Contact #s:

Reference
Method:  
Turnaround Time:  Final report 1 day Reference Range:  By report
Limitations: Interpretation:

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required: Preferred Specimen:  Pure culture, safely contained
Collection/Preservation: Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection: Sample Container:
Sample Test Kit: Availability:
Diagnostic Information:  Contact laboratory at (512) 776-3781 before submission.  Culture submitted will be ruled out or confirmed as the suspected agent of Bioterrorism.  The final report will be telephoned to the submitter immediately when the testing has been completed. See Anthrax Culture (Identification), see Yersinia pestis, see Franciscella tylarensis Culture, see Brucella culture.

Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2B Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature:  Ambient (Room) temperature Shipping Requirements:

Billing
CPT Code: 87798 Fees:

 

Microbiology
Blastocystis hominis (Microscopic - Driect Concentration and Trichrome stain)
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Test Includes: concentration and trichrome staining

Reporting
Results Available: 3 days Contact #s: (512) 458-7560

Reference
Method: direct microscopic examination, concentration and trichrome stain,
Turnaround Time:  3 days Reference Range:  No parasites found
Limitations: Interpretation: Negative test results indicates there are no detectable parasites in specimen.

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Specimens should be collected during acute phase of illness if possible. If cannot be transported to laboratory within 5 hours, specimens should be placed in PVA and formalin immediately. Sample Type: Feces (fresh, less than five hours), PVA and formalin preserved feces
Volume/Amount Required: >20 g fresh stool; follow instructions for PVA and formalin transport media. Preferred Specimen:  Feces (fresh, less than five hours), PVA and formalin preserved feces
Collection/Preservation: Collect stool during acute or symptomatic phase of illness if possible. Storage Instructions: ambient temperature
Causes for Rejection: Specimen in incorrect preservative or not in preservative. Sample Container: PVA and formalin transport containers; sterile specimen container
Sample Test Kit: n/a Availability: Test performed Monday-Friday
Diagnostic Information:  Fecal specimens must be sent in fresh (less than five hours from being passed) or PVA and formalin for concentration and trichrome staining. Referred material accepted from hospital, private, and reference laboratories.

Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G1A Specimen Handling: Body fluids handled with universal precautions. Formalin and PVA are poisonous, handle with caution.
Transport Temperature:  Ambient  temperature Shipping Requirements: Triple contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations for diagnostic specimens.

Billing
CPT Code: Fees:

 

 

Microbiology
Blastomycosis (Serological-Complement Fixation)
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Test Includes: CF test for antibodies to blastomycosis

Reporting
Results Available: 5-7 days Contact #s: 512-458-7514

Reference
Method: Complement Fixation  
Turnaround Time:  5-7 days Reference Range:  <1.8
Limitations: May not detect a recent infection, or infection in a person with a severely compromised immune system. Interpretation:

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Venipuncture Sample Type: Serum, Spinal Fluid
Volume/Amount Required: 2 mL serum/CSF Preferred Specimen:  Single Serum; Paired Sera; Spinal Fluid
Collection/Preservation: red or tiger top tube Storage Instructions: Separated serum may be held at 2-8°C.
Causes for Rejection: Hemolysis Sample Container: red or tiger top vacutainer
Sample Test Kit: Availability: Test performed 2 times per week
Diagnostic Information:  Although titers of 1:8 and greater are considered positive, confirmed serological diagnosis of blastomycosis by the CF test requires a four-fold or greater increase in titer between acute and convalescent specimens, and lack of corresponding titers to Coccidiodes immitis and Histoplasma capsulatum. Specificity is demonstrated by immunodiffusion. CF titer parallels severity.  Negative CF reaction does not exclude the existence of active B. dermatitidis infection, as less than 50% of sera from patients with proven blastomycosis are positive by this assay.  Test performed once per week.

Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2A Specimen Handling: Use Universal Precautions
Transport Temperature: Cold (2-8º C) on ice packs if received within 48 hours from time of collection.  Frozen (≤-20°) on dry ice if received more than 48 hours from time of collection. Shipping Requirements: Triple contain, separated serum may be shipped on cold packs (2-8°C), or frozen (-20°C) and mailed on dry ice.

Billing
CPT Code: 86612 Fees:

 

Microbiology
Blastomycosis (Serological-Immunodiffusion)
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Test Includes:

Reporting
Results Available: Contact #s:

Reference
Method:  
Turnaround Time:  5-7 days Reference Range:  Nonreactive
Limitations: May not detect a recent infection, or infection in a person with a severely compromised immune system. Interpretation:

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required: 2 mL serum/CSF Preferred Specimen:  Single Serum; Spinal Fluid
Collection/Preservation: Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection: Sample Container:
Sample Test Kit: Availability:
Diagnostic Information:  A precipitin band denotes recent or current infection, and is found in approximately 80% of proven cases of blastomycosis.  CF titer parallels severity.  Cross-reactions occur frequently with Coccidioidomycosis and Histoplasmosis. The test is performed once per week.

Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2A Specimen Handling: Use Universal Precautions
Transport Temperature: Cold (2-8º C) on ice packs if received within 48 hours from time of collection.  Frozen (≤-20°) on dry ice if received more than 48 hours from time of collection. Shipping Requirements: Triple contain, separated serum may be shipped on cold packs (2-8° C), or frozen (-20° C) and mailed on dry ice.

Billing
CPT Code: 86612 Fees:

 

Microbiology
Bordetella pertussis PCR
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Test Includes: Real-Time PCR for Bordetella Pertussis

Reporting
Results Available: 1-2 days Contact #s: 512-458-7735

Reference
Method: Real Time PCR  
Turnaround Time:  2 days Reference Range:  Not detected
Limitations: Interpretation:

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: nasopharyngeal swab Sample Type: Nasopharyngeal swab; nasopharyngeal wash
Volume/Amount Required: 1 swab or 5-10 mL nasopharyngeal wash Preferred Specimen:   Rayon or Dacron swabs with aluminum or plastic handles are acceptable.
Collection/Preservation: Submit swab in dry transport tube Storage Instructions: After collection, the swab should be inserted back in to the dry transport tube. Store at 2-8° C until shipment at refrigerated temperature (2-8° C).
Causes for Rejection: Incorrect swab, obvious contamination with blood, received at ambient temperature Sample Container: Swab or wash must be in sterile container without transport media
Sample Test Kit: Call (512) 458-7661 for swabs. Availability: Test performed 2-3 times per week
Diagnostic Information:  Detection of DNA by real-time PCR. Absence of DNA does not necessarily indicate lack of infection and could be due to collection error.

Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2B Specimen Handling: Send on wet ice (double bagged) preferably, cold packs
Transport Temperature:  2-8° C (refrigerated) Shipping Requirements: Must be shipped within 48 hours of collection; on cold packs or refrigerated (2-8° C) during transport. Must arrive at the Laboratory within 7 days.

Billing
CPT Code: 87798 Fees:

 

Microbiology
Botulism Culture – (Isolation)
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Test Includes:

Reporting
Results Available: Contact #s:

Reference
Method:  
Turnaround Time:  7-14 days Reference Range:  No C. botulinum isolated.
Limitations: Interpretation:

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required: Preferred Specimen:  Foods>10 g or 5mL feces in sterile, leakproof container >5 mL Vomitus or Gastric Aspirate in sterile, leakproof container
Collection/Preservation: Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection: Sample Container:
Sample Test Kit: Availability:
Diagnostic Information:  Telephone laboratory at 512-776-3781 before shipping specimens.  Specimens and samples must be kept cold (2-8° C (refrigerated)) or frozen Molecular typing performed at TDSHS upon request.

Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-27A  Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature:  2-8° C (refrigerated) Shipping Requirements:

Billing
CPT Code: 87076 Fees:

 

Microbiology
Botulism Culture (Toxic Detection)
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Test Includes:

Reporting
Results Available: Contact #s:

Reference
Method:  
Turnaround Time:  2-7 days Reference Range:  No. C.botulinum toxin detected.
Limitations: Interpretation:

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required: Preferred Specimen:  Foods; Feces 10 g in sterile leakproof container; Vomitus or Gastric Aspirate > 10 mL in sterile
Collection/Preservation: Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection: Sample Container:
Sample Test Kit: Availability:
Diagnostic Information:  Telephone laboratory at 512-776-3781 before shipping specimens. Specimens and samples must be kept cold (2-8°C (refrigerated)) or frozen. Molecular typing performed at TDSHS upon request.

Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-27A  Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature:  2-8° C (refrigerated) or frozen Shipping Requirements:

Billing
CPT Code: 87001 Fees:

 

Microbiology
Botulism Culture (Toxin Typing)
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Test Includes:

Reporting
Results Available: Contact #s: (512) 776-3781

Reference
Method:  
Turnaround Time:  2-7 days Reference Range:  By report
Limitations: Interpretation:

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required: Preferred Specimen:  Foods 10g feces; Vomitus Gastric Aspirate in sterile leakproof container
Collection/Preservation: Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection: Sample Container:
Sample Test Kit: Availability:
Diagnostic Information:  Telephone before shipping specimens. 10 g of stool is required for toxin typing.  Specimens and samples must be kept cold [2-8° C (refrigerated)] or frozen.  Molecular typing performed at TDSHS upon request.

Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-27A  Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature:  2-8° C (refrigerated) or frozen Shipping Requirements:

Billing
CPT Code: 87158 Fees:

 

Microbiology
Botulism Serological (Toxin Detection)
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Test Includes:

Reporting
Results Available: Contact #s: (512) 776-3781

Reference
Method:  
Turnaround Time:  2-7 days Reference Range:  No C. botulinum toxin detected.
Limitations: Interpretation:

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required: Preferred Specimen:  Single Serum
Collection/Preservation: Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection: Sample Container:
Sample Test Kit: Availability:
Diagnostic Information:  Specimens and samples must be kept cold [(2-8° C (refrigerated)] or frozen.  Telephone before shipping specimens. Molecular typing performed at TDSHS upon request.

Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-27A  Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature:  2-8° C (refrigerated) or frozen Shipping Requirements:

Billing
CPT Code: 87001 Fees:

 

Microbiology
Botulism (Serological – Toxin Typing)
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Test Includes:

Reporting
Results Available: Contact #s: (512) 776-3781

Reference
Method:  
Turnaround Time:  2-7 days Reference Range:  By report
Limitations: Interpretation:

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required: Preferred Specimen:  Single Serum
Collection/Preservation: Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection: Sample Container:
Sample Test Kit: Availability:
Diagnostic Information:  Telephone before shipping specimens.  At least 10mL of serum is required for toxin typing.    Molecular typing performed at TDSHS upon request.

Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-27A  Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature:  2-8° C (refrigerated) or frozen Shipping Requirements:

Billing
CPT Code: 87158 Fees:

 

Microbiology
Brevitoxin (Culture – Toxin Detection)
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Test Includes:

Reporting
Results Available: Contact #s:

Reference
Method:  
Turnaround Time:  2-4 days Reference Range:  No toxin detected
Limitations: Interpretation:

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required: Preferred Specimen:  Shellfish
Collection/Preservation: Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection: Sample Container:
Sample Test Kit: Availability:
Diagnostic Information:  Specimens accepted from Seafood Safety Division only with prior notification. 

Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-1A Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature:  2-8° C (refrigerated) Shipping Requirements:

Billing
CPT Code: Fees:

 

Microbiology
Brucellosis Culture – (Isolation)
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Test Includes: Culture, PCR

Reporting
Results Available:     7-21 days Contact #s: (512) 776-3781 

Reference
Method: Conventional biochemicals, PCR
Turnaround Time:  7-21 days Reference Range:  No Brucella isolated
Limitations:  Multiple specimens may be required to isolate Brucella. Interpretation: Brucella isolated from any clinical specimen should be considered a significant finding.

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Bone marrow biopsy, Venipuncture, preferably during fever episodes. Sample Type: Blood, Bone Marrow
Volume/Amount Required: 10-20 mL whole blood, small amount of bone marrow. Preferred Specimen:  Blood, Bone Marrow
Collection/Preservation: Collect blood by venipuncture, specimen held at ambient temperature. Storage Instructions: Ambient temperature
Causes for Rejection: Insufficient specimen, wrong collection tube used. Sample Container: Red or tiger top vacutainer
Sample Test Kit: Availability: Monday-Friday
Diagnostic Information:Brucella species is one of the organisms of the agents of Bioterrorism, but it also occurs sporadically.    See Bioterrorism agents (Clinical -Isolation).

Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-27A  Specimen Handling: Handle body fluids taking universal precautions.
Transport Temperature:  2-8° C  Shipping Requirements: Triple contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations for diagnostic specimens.

Billing
CPT Code: 87040 Fees:

 

Microbiology
Brucellosis Culture – Identification
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Test Includes: Conventional Biochemicals

Reporting
Results Available: 7-14 days Contact #s: (512) 776-3781 

Reference
Method: conventional biochemicals, PCR  
Turnaround Time:  7-14 days Reference Range:  Genus and species reported
Limitations: Organism must be viable for biochemical studies. Interpretation: Brucella species is classified as a select agent and must be treated in accordance with regulations for select agents.

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: n/a Sample Type: Pure culture
Volume/Amount Required: one specimen per patient Preferred Specimen:  Pure culture
Collection/Preservation: isolate on media Storage Instructions: ambient temperature
Causes for Rejection: broken or compromised shipping container. Sample Container: Agar slant in culture tube
Sample Test Kit: Availability: Monday-Friday
Diagnostic Information:  Brucella species is one of the organisms of the agents of Bioterrorism, but it also occurs sporadically. See Bioterrorism agents (Clinical -Isolation)  Reference Range By report  

Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-27A Specimen Handling: Extreme caution. Handle as infectious agent, Biosafety level 3.
Transport Temperature:  Ambient temperature Shipping Requirements: Triple contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations for infectious agents.. Must be handled as a select agent once identified as a Brucella species.

Billing
CPT Code: 87040 Fees:

 

Microbiology
Brucellosis (Serological – Agglutination)
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Test Includes: Agglutination to detect antibodies to Brucellosis

Reporting
Results Available: 5-7 days Contact #s: 512-458-7514

Reference
Method: Agglutination test  
Turnaround Time:  5-7 days 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.

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: venipuncture Sample Type: serum
Volume/Amount Required: 2 mL serum Preferred Specimen:  Single Serum; Paired Sera
Collection/Preservation: red or tiger top tube Storage Instructions: 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, hemolysis Sample Container: Red or tiger top tube
Sample Test Kit: Availability: Test is performed 1-2 times per week
Diagnostic Information:  A fourfold rise in serum (agglutination) antibody titer on paired sera or a single-serum agglutinin titer of 1:160 is suggestive of Brucellosis when accompanied by a compatible clinical course in a patient with a history of potential exposure.  Brucellosis antibody appears during the second week in acute cases and peaks in 3-6 weeks. There is some cross-reaction with Francisella tularesis. The test is performed once per week.

Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2A Specimen Handling: Use Universal Precautions
Transport Temperature: Cold (2-8º C) on ice packs if received within 48 hours from time of collection.  Frozen (≤-20°) on dry ice if received more than 48 hours from time of collection. Shipping Requirements: Triple contain, separated serum may be shipped on cold packs (2-8°C), or frozen (-20°C) and mailed on dry ice.

Billing
CPT Code: 86622 Fees: