Instructions for Submitting Diagnostic Specimens for Testing by the DVBD Bacterial Diseases Branch Diagnostic and Reference Team

Within the Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, the diagnostic laboratory in the Bacterial Diseases Branch serves as a national reference diagnostic laboratory for bacterial diseases caused by Yersinia pestis, Bartonella henselae, Bartonella quintana, Francisella species, and Borrelia species. Our testing is provided free-of-charge to approved agencies.

Specimen submission guidelines

1. Samples should be sent through your local or state public health laboratory or with their approval. Final reports of test results are returned to the local or state public health laboratory who is responsible for providing these reports to the primary submitter.
2. Specimens must be accompanied by CDC Specimen Submission Form (CDC 50.34). Separate forms should be submitted for each test requested for an individual patient. Required information to be included on each submission form is listed under each specific test in the CDC test directory (links below).
3. Packages should be mailed for receipt Tuesday-Friday and should take into consideration US federal holidays. Shipments are not received on holidays or on the weekend.
4. Additional information including sample types, volume requirements, specimen handling, turnaround time and points of contact can be found by clicking the specific test below. You will be redirected to the CDC test directory.
5. Test codes for BDB DRT samples:
   

   Test codes for BDB DRL samples

   Bartonella henselae/B quintana Indirect Fluorescent Antibody (IFA)	CDC-10486
   Bartonella quintana Molecular Detection	CDC-10554
   Bartonella Special Study	CDC-10297
   Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme Disease) Serology	CDC-10298
   Borrelia Culture and Identification	CDC-10299
   Borrelia hermsii (Tick-borne Relapsing Fever) Serology	CDC-10399
   Borrelia Molecular Detection – Relapsing Fever	CDC-10532
   Borrelia Special Study	CDC-10300
   Francisella tularensis Culture and Identification	CDC-10313
   Francisella tularensis Molecular Detection	CDC-10546
   Francisella tularensis Serology	CDC-10314
   Francisella tularensis Special Study	CDC-10315
   Yersinia pestis Culture and Identification	CDC-10418
   Yersinia pestis Molecular Detection	CDC-10547
   Yersinia pestis Serology	CDC-10419
   Yersinia pestis Special Study	CDC-10420