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Molecular Detection and Typing of Francisella tularensis in Specimens from Non-Human Sources

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Requisition Forms

Reference Details

Description:

Detection of Francisella tularensis by real-time PCR in non-human specimens.

Test Category:
Molecular Detection
Pathogen:
Francisella tularensis
Laboratory:
Illnesses and Diseases:
  • Tularemia
Specimen:

Whole blood, or biopsy or dissected tissue (lung, liver, liver or kidneys. Minimum required volumes are as follows:

  • Whole blood – 0.5 mL
  • Tissue biopsy – 1 – 5 mg
Collection Method:

Collect blood in EDTA tube. AVOID HEPARIN. Do not centrifuge. When possible, aseptically collect each tissue type and submit separately in sterile 2 mL O-ring microcentrifuge tubes (Sarstedt vials).

Specimen Processing, Storage and Shipping:

Store whole blood refrigerated for up to 5 days until shipped with freezer packs for testing. If > 5 days, store at – 20 °C and ship on dry ice. Store tissue samples frozen until shipped on dry ice for testing.    

Transportation of Dangerous Goods:

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.

 

Patient Criteria:

Appropriate clinical symptoms and suspected exposure to F. tularensis. An animal with a mild infection may be asymptomatic or exhibit lack of appetite, lethargy and a low-grade fever. Signs of a more serious infection include dehydration, high fever, swollen lymph nodes, ulcers in or around the mouth, and jaundice.

Accompanying Documentation:

Completed ‘Requisition for Molecular Testing for Selected Zoonotic Agents”.

Comments:

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

Methods and Interpretation of Results:

Real-time PCR is performed using assays specific for F. tularensis. Samples positive by F. tularensis real-time PCR are subsequently typed using 12 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) targets.

Turnaround Time:

21 calendar days. 

Contact:
Phone #: (204) 789-7434 or (204) 789-6060
Fax: (204) 789-2082
References:
  1. Brown SL, McKinney FT, Klein GC, Jones WL, 1980. J Clin Microbiol 11:146-148.
  2. Birdsell DN, Vogler AJ, Buchhagen J, Clare A, Kaufman E, Naumann A, Driebe E, Wagner D, Kein PS, 2014. PLoS ONE 9(9) e107964. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0107964