Serology

Sera analyzed for IgG response against Bacillus anthracis protective antigen via ELISA.

• Anthrax

Serum sample. Minimum volume required – 1.0 – 2.0 mL. Preferred sample at least 10 days from the onset of symptoms. Also, recommend obtaining another sample 14 days after previous sample tested.

Collect blood in serum separator tubes.

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.

Suspected exposure to B. anthracis. Special request only. Please contact the laboratory prior to submission of specimen.

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 including sender name, address and telephone number, patient name or identifier (referring lab #), date of birth, suspected exposure, test(s) requested, type of specimen and date collected. Append all relevant clinical background information and testing performed. Please include patient travel history if applicable.

Special request only.  Not recommended if patient is on post-exposure prophylaxis. Please contact the laboratory prior to submission of specimen. Please note this is not an accredited test.

Testing is performed, in whole or in part, using a lab-developed test which has not been fully validated/verified due to a lack of well-characterized panel.  

ELISA conducted under similar conditions as in reference 2.

14 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. Semenova, VA et al. 2004. Mass value assignment of total and subclass immunoglobulin G in a human standard anthrax reference serum. Clin. Diagnos. Lab. Immu. 11 (5); 919-923.
2. Quinn, CP et al. 2004. Immune responses to Bacillus anthracis protective antigen in patients with bioterrorism-related cutaneous or inhalation anthrax. J Infect Dis. 190: 1228-36.
3. Gubbins, ML, et al. 2006. Production and characterization of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies that recognize an epitope in domain 2 of Bacillus anthracis protective antigen. FEMS Immun Med Microbiol. (47); 436-443.

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets: Infectious Substances – Bacillus anthracis

National case definition: Anthrax