Molecular detection of Ricinus communis by real-time PCR

Molecular detection of Ricinus communis by real-time PCR

• Ricin poisoning

Whole blood – minimum 0.5 mL, powder, liquid, food sample

Whole blood – EDTA tube; powder/liquid – submit in a sterile 2 mL o-ring microcentrifuge tube; food – submit in an appropriately sized container with an o-ring

Store blood samples refrigerated until shipped for testing.

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 ricin infection

Completed Bioforensics Assay Development and Diagnostics requisition including sender name, address and telephone number. Patient name or identifier (referring lab #), date of birth, suspected exposure, test(s) requested, clinical history. Type of specimen and date collected. If possible, include the antibiotics administered and travel history.

Please notify the laboratory prior to submission of specimen.

Real-time PCR is performed using in-house differentiating molecular assays with three targets specific for ricin DNA.

Confirmatory tests of a sample positive for ricin by real-time PCR result may include Time Resolved Fluorescence (TRF) assay and/or Ricin Antigen Capture ELISA and/or microbead immunoassay.

4 calendar days for a preliminary result; 14 calendar days for a final result; 28 calendar days for any non-standard specimen type or specialized testing requests.