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Boutlism

Department of Pathology

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://ideha.dhmh.md.gov/IDEHASharedDocuments/botulism.pdf accessed May 16, 2011.

Packing and Labeling of Clinical Specimens