Florida Bureau of Public Health laboratories
C. Botulism
Specimens sent for botulism testing are referred out to the CDC for testing. Submitters must obtain prior approval from regional epidemiology prior to submitting specimen.
Analyte(s)
Clostridium botulinum
Test Code
2600
Testing Location
Testing Department
Microbiology
Pre-approval Required?
Yes,
Must be approved by regional epidemiology prior to forwarding to CDC.  Contact the local county health department (CHD) to start the process for approval.
Required Forms
BPHL Test Requisition, DH1847
Make sure all required fields are complete and the NPI number is listed.
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.
Turn Around time
7 – 14 business days after receipt at the laboratory
Minimum Volume
10 g of stool
1 mL of serum
Collection Media
Stool – Sterile container
Serum – Collection tube no anti-coagulants or additives (i.e. tiger top, red top, serum separator) or pour off and send in a sterile container
Specimen Sources
Serum or stool
Specimen Labeling
Specimen must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, e.g., name and DOB.
The collection date
Information on the specimen must match the requisition and/or test order.Â
Special SPecimen Preparation
Serum must be collected prior to antitoxin treatment (HBAT or BabyBIG).
No testing is performed in the laboratory. The laboratory will only provide epidemiology contact information. Epidemiology staff will provide additional information.
Storage Conditions
Store specimens at 2 – 8o C until time of shipment. Specimens must arrive at the laboratory within 24 hours of collection.
Packaging and Shipping
Specimens should be shipped at 2 – 8o C to arrive at the laboratory within 24 hours of collection.
Include paperwork with specimens but separate them physically by placing the paperwork in the outer pocket of the biohazard bag.
unsatisfactory specimen
1) Specimens received greater than 24 hours after collection
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
5) Quantity not sufficient
6) Specimen was received outside the required temperature range
Interferences and Limitations
Specimens received greater than 24 hours after collection outside the required temperature range.
Reference Range
Negative: No pathogen detected
Result Indicator
Results are provided by the CDC.
Reference lab
CDC
Reflex testing
None