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Molecular detection of Ricinus communis by real-time PCR

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Accredited by the Standards Council of Canada to Laboratory no. 594 (ISO/IEC 17025)

Requisition Forms

Reference Details

Description:

Molecular detection of Ricinus communis by real-time PCR

Test Category:
Molecular Detection
Pathogen:
Ricinus communis
Illnesses and Diseases:
  • Ricin poisoning
Specimen:

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

Collection Method:

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

Specimen Processing, Storage and Shipping:

Store blood samples refrigerated until shipped 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:

Suspected ricin infection

Accompanying Documentation:

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.

Comments:

Please notify the laboratory prior to submission of specimen.

Methods and Interpretation of Results:

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.

Turnaround Time:

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.

Contact:
Phone #: (204) 784-5928 or 1-877-212-6108
Fax: (204) 789-5009
References:
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