Specimen Submission Instructions

Instructions for Sending Diagnostic Specimens for Testing by the DVBID Bacterial Zoonoses Diagnostic Laboratory

CDC Submission Form

Complete a CDC submission form (CDC 50.34), by downloading CDC Data and Specimen Handling (DASH) section form 50.34 for submission of laboratory specimens[PDF, 84 KB], or call DVBID for a copy at 970-221-6400.

NOTE: Testing will not be initiated without the inclusion of:

1. unique specimen identification number
2. type of specimen (e.g. serum, cf, etc…)
3. suspected etiology
4. date of onset of symptoms
5. brief clinical description
6. date of specimen collection
7. antibiotic treatment received
8. any pertinent travel history

Shipping

For information regarding shipping packages and applicable regulations, please refer to CDC's Scientific Resources Program for specific information.

Specimen Types and Amounts

1. Acute and convalescent specimens, if available, should be sent together.
2. Ideal timing of specimens:

   Specimen	Timing
   Acute	3 to 10 days after onset of symptoms
   Convalescent	2-3 weeks after acute sample

   NOTE: If acute sample is taken prior to 10 days post-onset of symptoms, antibodies may not have had time to develop and a false negative may result.

3. The specimens listed below may be sent on cold or "blue" ice packs:

   Type of Specimen	Minimum Amount Required For Testing
   Bacterial culture	Slant, agar plates, agar stabs
   Blood (Bacterial isolation)	5 mL - 9 mL, anticoagulant needed
   Fluids/Aspirates (Bacterial)	1 mL - 5 mL
   Serum/Plasma/CSF (Serology)	0.5 mL or more
   Tissue (Bacterial isolation)	1 cm2 of pathologic area

Testing Results

Test results are normally available 10 to 14 days after specimen receipt. Reporting times for test results may be longer during summer months when bacterial zoonoses activity increases. Receipt of a hard copy of the results will take 2 weeks after testing completion.

Shipping Address

Send all specimens to: ATTENTION: Bacterial Zoonoses Diagnostic Laboratory, DRS

Federal Express	U.S. Post Office
CDC - DVBID - BZB 3150 Rampart Road/Foothills Campus Fort Collins, CO 80521	CDC - DVBID - BZB P.O. Box 2087 Fort Collins, CO 80522

Further Assistance

Additional assistance may be obtained from the DVBID Bacterial Zoonoses Diagnostic and Reference Section at 970-221-6444.