LifeBridge Health - Department of Pathology Botulism

NOTE: The following collection instructions are from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s internet site.  Packaging information is from the CDC internet site.  Personal Protective Equipment and Precautions required are not addressed in these instructions.  Sinai’s safety precautions should be strictly adhered to during collection and packaging of any sample considered to contain a bioterrorist associated organism or agent.

Collection Specimens: obtained prior to the administration of antitoxin: Serum: 15cc or 2 red top tubes for antitoxin testing, spin immediately Stool: 25-50 grams for toxin testing and culture. Use minimal enema fluid if required Gastric aspirate: 50mL for toxin testing and culture Wound: sterile sample of tissue or wound fluid in anaerobic container Food: any suspected food item, refrigerated in sealed original container http://bioterrorism.dhmh.state.md.us/pg2_botulism.htm accessed July 10, 2003.