Specimen Collection, Storage, & Shipment
Because specimen submission requirements for CLIA diagnostic testing are currently being updated, ALL submissions to CDC for diagnostic testing require pre-approval at this time. Contact PicornaLab@cdc.gov before submitting non-AFM specimens for enterovirus testing to CDC. Please contact AFMLab@cdc.gov before submitting any AFM specimens.
Refer to this table when you collect, store, and ship specimens. Please check back periodically for updates to acceptable specimen types. Before sending specimens to CDC, please contact PicornaLab@cdc.gov.
Note that CDC will use real-time PCR for generic testing and nested PCR for typing.
| Specimen Type | Minimum Amount | Collection | Storage | Shipping | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Respiratory – NP/OP swab | 0.5 mL, 1 mL preferred | Store in viral transport medium | Freeze at ≤-20°C | Ship on dry ice | Collect within 0-7 days of symptom onset (earlier the better) |
| Stool | 1 gram, 10 – 20 grams preferred | Collect in sterile container, no special medium required | Freeze at ≤-20°C | Ship on dry ice | Virus present for longer than other specimen types |
| Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) | 0.15 mL, 0.5-2 mL preferred | Collect in sterile container, no special medium required. | Freeze at ≤-20°C | Ship on dry ice | Collect within 0-4 days of symptom onset (earlier the better) |
| Serum | 0.5 mL, 1 mL preferred | Collect in sterile container with no anticoagulants. | Freeze at ≤-20°C | Ship on dry ice | Collect early in infection from younger patients; no serology will be done |
Ship samples to:
Shannon Rogers
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
RDSB/STAT Unit 76
ATTN: Polio and Picornavirus Laboratory Branch
1600 Clifton Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Office: +1-404-639-2677
Mobile: +1-678-520-6455
Email: PicornaLab@cdc.gov