Unknown Biological Threat Agent

Laboratory Fee Schedule
Procedure #: BTA0014
CPT: 87070, 88346, 87798

Synonym(s):	Unknown environmental sample, Multi-agent screen, “White Powder Letter”
Requisition Form	G-27 (includes Chain of Custody)
Test Description	Detection of Multiple Biological Threat Agent DNA by PCR and Biological Threat Toxin by TRF
Pre-Approval Needed	Must notify BioThreat Team prior to sample submission: (512) 689-5537
Supplemental Information Required	Threat Credibility Assessment by FBI and Field Screening for Flammability, Radioactivity, and Explosives Required prior to submission
Supplemental Form(s)	N/A
Performed on Specimens from (sources)	Environmental
Sample/Specimen Type for Testing	Envelope/letter/paper Swabs Packages Wipes Powders Liquids Plant material (e.g., leaf, flower, stalk) Seeds or beans
Minimum Volume/Size Required	N/A
Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping	Ambient
Transport Medium	N/A
Specimen Labeling	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	PCR and Time Resolved Fluorescence (TRF)
Turn-around Time	Preliminary result 1 day after receipt, final result 5-21 days
Interferences/Limitations	Use dacron or rayon swabs for sample collection, as cotton swabs interfere with PCR. 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 Incomplete or missing submission form
Additional Information	Will be paired with Culture: All aerobes