Florida Bureau of Public Health laboratories

BACTERIAL oRGANISM iD

For the identification of aerobic bacterial cultures by biochemical profiles, MALDI-TOF, and/or sequencing (if approved). Isolates can be forwarded to the CDC for further characterization for epidemiological surveillance.

Analyte(s)

Aerobic bacteria

Test Code

2300

Testing Location

Jacksonville Laboratory
Miami Laboratory
Tampa Laboratory

Testing Department

Microbiology

Pre-approval Required?

No

Required Forms

BPHL Test Requisition, DH1847
(not needed if orders are placed by electronic order)

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Supply Ordering

Supplies may be requested from your servicing laboratory. Supplies ordered from the BPHL should only be used for specimen sent to the BPHL for testing.

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Turn Around time

7-28 business days after receipt at the laboratory

Minimum Volume

At least 1 mL of urine

Collection Media

Sterile transport system for urine, swabs, or material. Heart infusion slant or blood agar plate for isolates.

Specimen Sources

Any clinical specimen/swab except those for anaerobic testing, stool swabs, or throat swabs (diphtheria). 

Specimen Labeling

Specimen must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, e.g., name and DOB.

Information on the specimen must match the requisition and/or test order. 

Special SPecimen Preparation

None.

Storage Conditions

Store isolates at 15-30° C until time of shipment. Store Urine, swabs, and material at 2-8° C until time of shipment.

Specimens should be shipped to the lab within 24-48 hours of isolation.

Packaging and Shipping

Specimens should be shipped at 15-30° C to be shipped overnight to the laboratory within 48 hours of growth on appropriate transport medium.

Include paperwork with specimens but separate them physically by placing the paperwork in the outer pocket of the biohazard bag.

unsatisfactory specimen

1. Patient is over the age of 5 for Haemophilus influenzae
2. No patient identification on specimen tube
3. Patient identifiers on the specimen do not match the requisition or test order
4. Specimen damaged or leaked in transit

Interferences and Limitations

Non-viable, mixed cultures may not yield reportable results

Patient is over the age of 5 for Haemophilus influenzae

Reference Range

Negative: No pathogen detected

Result Indicator

Positive: Identification and serogrouping: Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, Shigella sp., or Vibrio cholerae

Negative: Not detected

Reference lab

CDC

All Neisseria meningitidis isolates are also submitted to CDC Enhanced Surveillance Project.

Reflex testing

Whole genome sequencing (WGS)