Serology

Sera analyzed for the detection of antibodies to F. tularensis.

• Tularemia

Human serum sample. Minimum volume required – 1.0 mL. Hyperlipemic, hemolysed or contaminated sera may yield erroneous results.

Collect blood in serum separator tubes.

Transfer an aliquot of serum to a 1.5 mL screw-top vial with O-ring (Sarstedt vial). Store specimens refrigerated up to 5 days or frozen until shipped for testing.  Ship frozen on dry ice or on wet ice.

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

For additional guidance on the transport of infectious substances in other languages, please click on the link below.

http://www.who.int/ihr/capacity-strengthening/infectious-substances/en/

Appropriate clinical symptoms and suspected exposure to animals infected with F. tularensis.

Please list all clinical symptoms appropriate to the suspected area of infection detailed by submission of a completed Bioforensics Assay Development and Diagnostics requisition form and clearly specify organism testing request on the requisition form. Append all relevant clinical background information and testing performed.

Specimens may be subject to rejection if they are not the appropriate sample type, have insufficient volume, or are not accompanied by relevant patient information.

THIS TEST IS PERFORMED FOR INVESTIGATIONAL OR RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY

In-house microagglutination test (MAT). This is a semi-quantitative test for the detection to F. tularensis, where a single serum titre of ≥128 is considered positive. A four-fold or greater increase in titre between two serum samples drawn a minimum of 4 weeks apart is considered presumptive evidence of a recent or current infection with F. tularensis.

30 calendar days.  Please note that during times when large numbers of samples are received or if tests must be repeated the turnaround time may be longer.

1. Brown SL, McKinney FT, Klein GC, Jones WL, 1980. J Clin Microbiol 11:146-148.

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets: Infectious Substances – Francisella tularensis

Case Definitions for Communicable Diseases under National Surveillance - 2009 - Tularemia

Tularemia - Frequently Asked Questions