Overview

The ABCs Isolate Bank is a joint project of CDC’s Division of Bacterial Diseases, the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, and the CDC Biorepository.

ABCs sites send bacterial isolates from a normally sterile site (e.g., blood, cerebrospinal fluid) to CDC and partner reference laboratories for antibiotic susceptibility testing and serotyping.

Importance of the isolate bank

The ABCs Isolate Bank contains carefully collected and preserved isolates and crucial laboratory, clinical, and demographic data. These data help further research in a variety of fields, without typical limitations. This isolate bank offers unique research opportunities to investigate scientific questions beyond routine surveillance.

Storing, shipping, and handling isolates

CDC stores isolates in a restricted-access facility in Lawrenceville, Georgia, with computerized climate control sensors. Staff provide regular 24-hour monitoring for all specimen storage units. Staff carefully monitor and use detailed care throughout the shipping and handling process.

Requesting access to isolates

ABCs Isolate Bank custodians review requests for isolates prior to approval and release. CDC strictly enforces a limited distribution policy that prohibits the secondary distribution of ABCs isolates to third-party researchers. Please contact us for the current price per isolate, which applies to for-profit institutions only.

For more information on isolate availability and data, please review Available Isolates and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing.

Isolate requests can be submitted through the online isolate request form.