Microbiology Test Menu

Medium
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Aerobic Culture Reference

Acceptable Specimen: Pure isolate in appropriate tubed transport medium or Amies (with charcoal) transport medium. Plates not accepted.

Stability: Ambient: 7 days; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: Unacceptable

Normal Value: Not applicable

Turn Around Time: 7 days

Anaerobic Culture Reference

Acceptable Specimen: Pure isolate in anaerobic tubed medium such as Anaerobic Thio, Amies (with charcoal) transport medium, PORT-A-CUL tubes, etc.. Plates not accepted.

Stability: Ambient: 7 days; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: Unacceptable

Normal Value: Not applicable

Turn Around Time: 7 days

Arboviral Encephalitis Panel

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml acute phase serum

Stability: Ambient: 5 Days; Refrigerated: 5 Days; Frozen: >5 Days

Normal Value: West Nile Virus EIA - Negative; Western Equine, Eastern Equine, St. Louis, California Group IFA < 1:16

Turn Around Time: 3 days

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Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax) Confirmation PCR/Culture

Acceptable Specimen: Isolate in appropriate tubed transport medium or cut out a piece of agar with growth and send in a sterile container. Plates are not accepted. Cutaneous collect in vesicular fluid with sterile swab or collect from beneath the eschar. Gastrointestinal collect blood, stool, or rectal swabs. Inhalational collect blood.

Transport: Cutaneous, gastrointestinal and inhalational at room temperature.

Turn Around Time: 1 to 2 days

Bordetella species HDA

Acceptable Specimen: Nasopharyngeal specimen, in universal transport media, provided in kit.

This Helicase-Dependent Ampliflication (HDA) assay simultaneously tests for the following pathogens: Bordetella parapertussis and Bordetella pertussis

Click here for collection instructions.

Click here for collection kits.

Stability: Ambient: 2 days; Refrigerated: 4 days; Frozen: 5 months

Normal Value: Negative

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Brucella Antibody Agglutination

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml acute and convalescent sample phase sera recommended (at least 14 days apart)

Stability: Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 4 hours; Frozen: >4 days

Normal Value: Negative

Turn Around Time: 2 days

Brucellosis Confirmation PCR/Culture

Acceptable Specimen: Isolate in appropriate tubed transport medium or cut out a piece of agar with growth and send in a sterile container. Plates are not accepted. For primary isolation and PCR, collect blood or bone marrow

Transport: Room temperature

Turn Around Time: 7 days

Burkholderia mallei (Glanders) or Burkholderia pseudomallei (Melioidosis) PCR/Culture

Acceptable Specimen: Isolate in appropriate tubed transport medium or cut out a piece of agar with growth and send in a sterile container. Plates are not accepted.

Transport: Blood, bone marrow, sputum, abscess and wound swabs, urine transport blood room temp; all others transport at 2 to 8°C

Turn Around Time: 1 to 2 days

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California group Encephalitis Ab IFA

Refer to Arboviral Encephalitis Panel

Carbapenem Resistance Gene Screen

Acceptable Specimen: Rectal swab specimen collected with BD BBL liquid Stuart’s dual culture swab

Stability: Ambient: 5 days; Refrigerated: 5 days; Frozen: Unacceptable

Normal Value: KPC, NDM, VIM, OXA-48, and IMP Not Detected

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Carbapenem Resistant Organism Confirmation

Mandatory Reportable Condition click HERE to report

Mandatory Isolate Submission

Acceptable Specimen: Pure isolate in appropriate tubed medium or Amies (with charcoal) transport medium. Plates not accepted.

*Please submit antimicrobial susceptibility results from instrument printout.

A report containing test results to support infection prevention measures will be issued to the submitting facility.

Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae TMA

Acceptable Specimen: Endocervical, oral, rectal, urine, throat, vaginal, or male urethral specimen in Hologic multi specimen collection kit

Click here for collection instructions.

Click here for collection kits.

Stability: Ambient: 60 days; Refrigerated: 60 days

Stability: Urine Ambient: 30 days; Refrigerated: 30 days

Normal Value: Negative

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Clostridium botulinum toxin DIG ELISA/PCR/Mouse Bioassay

Acceptable Specimen: Contact Laboratory Services for specific recommendation regarding collection and transportation.

All testing will be performed by the Minnesota Department of Health and/or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Turn Around Time: Procedure dependent

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

See SARS-CoV-2

Corynebacterium diptheriae Confirmation

Mandatory Reportable Condition click HERE to report

Mandatory Isolate Submission

Acceptable Specimen: Pure isolate in appropriate tubed medium or Amies (with charcoal) transport medium. Plates not accepted.

A report with the organism identification will be issued to the submitting facility.

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Eastern Equine Encephalitis Ab IFA

Refer to Arboviral Encephalitis Panel

Encephalitis Panel Antibody, IgM CLIA, EIA and IFA

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml acute phase serum

Stability: Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 2 days; Frozen: >2 days

Normal Value: <1:8 or Negative

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Enterovirus PCR

Acceptable Specimen: Nasopharyngeal, skin lesion material, and throat in viral transport medium. CSF and stool in sterile container.

Stability: Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: >7 days

Normal Value: Negative

Turn Around Time: 3 days

Escherichia coli 0157 Serotyping

Mandatory Reportable Condition click HERE to report

Mandatory Isolate Submission

Acceptable Specimen: Pure isolate in appropriate tubed medium or Amies (with charcoal) transport medium. Plates not accepted.

*Facilities using molecular methods without conventional culture may send original stool sample.

*Cultures of verotoxigenic E. coli need to be shipped as a Category A specimen.

A report with serotyping results will be issued to the submitting facility.

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Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml serum

Stability: Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 2 days; Frozen: >2 days

Normal Value: Nonreactive

Turn Around Time: 2 days

Francisella tularensis Antibody Serum Agglutination

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml acute and convalescent (3 weeks post onset) phase sera

Stability: Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 4 hours; Frozen: >4 hours

Normal Value: Negative

Turn Around Time: 2 days

Francisella tularensis (Tularemia) Confirmation PCR/Culture

Acceptable Specimen: Isolate in appropriate tubed transport medium or cut out a piece of agar with growth and send in a sterile container. Plates are not accepted. For primary isolation and PCR collect blood, biopsied tissue or ulcer scraping.

Transport: Blood at room temperature. Tissue and ulcer samples at 2 to 8°C

Turn Around Time: 2 to 4 days

Fungal Primary Culture

Acceptable Specimen: Sterile containers or on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. Plates will not be accepted. Contact Laboratory Services for assistance with systemic isolates such as histoplasma, coccidioides and blastomyces.

Stability: Ambient: 10 days; Refrigerated: 10 days; Frozen: Unacceptable

Normal Value: No fungi isolated

Turn Around Time: Negative culture - 2 weeks; Positive culture - 2 to 6 weeks

Fungal Reference Culture

Acceptable Specimen: Pure isolate in tubed medium such as Sabouraud Dextrose Agar or Amies transport medium. Plates not accepted. Contact Laboratory Services for assistance with systemic isolates such as histoplasma, coccidioides and blastomyces.

Stability: Ambient: 10 days; Refrigerated: 10 days; Frozen: Unacceptable

Normal Value: Not applicable

Turn Around Time: 2 to 6 weeks

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Gastrointestinal (GI) Panel PCR

Acceptable Specimen: 1 ml stool in Cary-Blair medium

This assay simultaneously tests for the following pathogens: Adenovirus F (40/41), Astrovirus, Campylobacter, Clostridium difficile toxin (A/B), Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Entamoeba histolytica, Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC), Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) lt/st, Giardia lamblia, Norovirus (GI/GII), Plesiomonas shigelloides, Rotavirus A, Salmonella, Sapovirus, Shiga-like toxin producing E.coli (STEC) stx1/stx2, Escherichia coli 0157, Shigella/Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC), Vibrio, Vibrio cholerae, Yersinia enterocolitica

Stability: Stool in Cary Blair - Ambient: 4 days; Refrigerated: 4 days; Frozen: Unacceptable

Normal Value: Not Detected

Turn Around Time: 2 days

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Haemophilus influenzae Serotyping

Mandatory Reportable Condition click HERE to report

Mandatory Isolate Submission

Acceptable Specimen: Pure isolate in appropriate tubed medium or Amies (with charcoal) transport medium. Plates not accepted.

The isolate will be forwarded to Minnesota Public Health Laboratory for testing.

A report with serotyping results will be issued to the submitting facility.

Handling Fee

Handling fees are dependent on test requested. Call Laboratory Services for test specific handling fee information.

Hantavirus Antibody Enzyme Capture-IgM ELISA

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml acute phase serum

Stability: Refrigerated: 5 days; Frozen: >5 days

Normal Value: Negative

*Positive results are sent to CDC for Confirmation.

Turn Around Time: 2 days

Hepatitis A IgM Antibody CLIA

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml acute phase serum

Stability: Ambient: 2 days; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: >7 days

Normal Value: Negative

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Hepatitis B Core Antibody, IgM CLIA

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml acute phase serum

Stability: Ambient: 4 days; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: >7 days

Normal Value: Nonreactive

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Hepatitis B Core Antibody, Total Ig CLIA

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml serum

Stability: Ambient: 4 days; Refrigerated: 4 days; Frozen: >4 days

Normal Value: Nonreactive

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Immune Status (Anti-HBs) CLIA

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml serum

Stability: Ambient: 1 day; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: >7 days

Normal Value: Positive

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) CLIA

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml serum

Stability: Ambient: 3 days; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: >7 days

Normal Value: Nonreactive

Confirmatory testing will be performed, at no additional charge, on all reactive specimens

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Hepatitis C Virus Antibody, Total Ig (Anti-HCV) CLIA

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml serum

Stability: Ambient: 4 days; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: >7 days

Normal Value: Nonreactive

*Positive tests will reflex to Hepatitis C Virus RNA

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Hepatitis C Virus Genotyping

Acceptable Specimen: 3 ml serum or 5 ml whole blood

Stability: Serum - Ambient: 1 day; Refrigerated: 3 days; Frozen: >3 days

Stability: Whole Blood - Ambient: 6 hours; Refrigerated: 6 hours; Frozen: Unacceptable

Normal Value: Not Applicable

Turn Around Time: Weekly

Hepatitis C Virus RNA (Quantitative)

Acceptable Specimen: 3 ml serum or 5 ml whole blood

Stability: Serum - Ambient: 1 day; Refrigerated: 5 days; Frozen: >5 days

Stability: Whole Blood - Ambient: 6 hours; Refrigerated: 6 hours; Frozen: Unacceptable

Normal Value: Not Detected

Turn Around Time: Weekly

Herpes Simplex Virus Antibody, IgM EIA

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml acute phase serum

Stability: Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 2 days; Frozen: >2 days

Normal Value: Negative

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2 and Varicella zoster HDA

Acceptable Specimen: Swab, in viral transport medium, from any lesion.

Stability: Ambient: 2 days; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: 7 days

Normal Value: Negative

Turn Around Time: 1 day

HIV-1 RNA Viral Load

Acceptable Specimen: 2 mL serum (Qualitative) or plasma (Quantitative); tubes containing ETDA or Acid Citrate Dextrose (ACD) anticoagulants or Plasma Preparation Tubes (PPTs)

Stability: Primary Tube- Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 3 days; Frozen: Unacceptable

Stability: Secondary Tube- Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 5 days; Frozen: 90 days

Normal Value: Not Detected

Turn Around Time: Weekly

HIV-1, 2 Antibody/HIV-1 p24 Antigen Combo CLIA

Acceptable Specimen: 3 ml serum or plasma

Stability: Ambient: 3 days; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: >7 days

Normal Value: Nonreactive

*Confirmatory testing will be performed, at no additional charge, on all reactive specimens following current CDC and CLSI guidelines for 4th Generation HIV Ab/Ag Combo tests.

Turn Around Time: 1 day

HIV-1, 2 Antibody/HIV-1 p24 Antigen Confirmation

Acceptable Specimen: 1 ml serum or plasma

Stability: Ambient: 1 day; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: >7 days

Normal Value: Nonreactive

Turn Around Time: 2 days

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Immune Screen- Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml serum

Stability: Ambient: 1 day; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: >7 days

Normal Value:  Measles IgG > 1:16
   Mumps IgG > 1:16
   Rubella - Immune
   Varicella IgG > 1:16

 

Turn Around Time: Tuesday and Thursday

Influenza Virus Type A & B PCR and Subtype Confirmation

Acceptable Specimen: Specimen in viral transport medium. Refer to Specimen Collection and Handling Section for instructions.

Click here for collection instructions.

Click here for collection kits.

Sub-typing: A - H3, 2009H1N1

Sub-typing: B - Yamagata, Victoria

Stability: Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: >7 days

Normal Value: Not Applicable

Turn Around Time: 3 days

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Legionella Culture

Acceptable Specimen: Bronchial, lung, sputum, tissue in sterile container

Stability: Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: Unacceptable

Normal Value: Negative

Turn Around Time: 7 days

Lyme Antibody IgG, IgM, and Total Ig CLIA

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml of serum

Stability: Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: >7 days

Normal Value: Negative

Confirmatory testing will be performed on all positive or equivocal specimens for an additional $60 charge

Turn Around Time: 1 day

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Malaria Confirmation

Mandatory Reportable Condition click HERE to report

Mandatory Isolate Submission

Acceptable Specimen: Whole blood sample in EDTA prior to treatment plus thick and thin blood films made from fresh blood or EDTA (if prepared within one hour) if available.

The sample will be forwarded to CDC for species confirmation and evaluation of emerging drug resistance.

A report will be issued to the submitting facility.

Measles Virus (Rubeola) Antibody, IgM IFA

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml acute phase serum

Stability: Ambient: 1 day; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: >7 days

Normal Value: <1:8

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Measles Virus (Rubeola) Antibody, IgG CLIA

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml serum

Stability: Refrigerated: 9 days; Frozen: >9 days

Normal Value: Positive

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Measles Virus (Rubeola) PCR

Acceptable Specimen: Nasopharyngeal swabs (preferred) or aspirates, nasal swabs, throat swabs, in viral transport medium. 50 ml urine in sterile container.

Stability: Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 3 days; Frozen: >3 days

Normal Value: Negative

Turn Around Time: 2 days

Monkeypox (Orthopox) PCR

Refer to Orthopox (Monkeypox) Panel PCR

Mumps Virus Antibody, IgM IFA

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml acute phase serum

Stability: Ambient: 1 day; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: >7 days

Normal Value: <1:8

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Mumps Virus Antibody, IgG CLIA

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml serum

Stability: Refrigerated: 9 days; Frozen: >9 days

Normal Value: Positive

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Mumps PCR

Acceptable Specimen: Buccal swabs (preferred), throat swabs, and nasopharyngeal swabs or aspirates in viral transport medium. Urine in sterile container.  Molecular grade swabs only.  Dacron or rayon swabs with plastic or metal shafts only.  Calcium alginate swab and cotton swabs with wooden shafts are unacceptable.

Click here for collection instructions

Stability: Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 3 days; Frozen: >3

Normal Value: Negative

Turn Around Time: 2 days

Mycobacteria Primary Culture

Acceptable Specimen: Sterile container

Contact Laboratory Services for collection and mailing kit.

Click here for Specimen Collection and Handling instructions.

All new positive mycobacterium direct smears on sputum, bronchial lavage, and bronchial wash samples will automatically reflex to perform the Mycobacterium tuberculosis/Rifampin PCR test.

Stability: Whole Blood/Bone Marrow - Ambient: 7 days; Frozen: Unacceptable

Stability: Other - Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: Unacceptable

Normal Value: Mycobacteria Culture - No Mycobacteria isolated; AFB Smear - No AFB seen

Turn Around Time: 2 to 8 weeks

Mycobacteria Reference Culture

Acceptable Specimen: Isolate on tubed solid medium such as LJ slants, 7H10 slants, etc. Plates or liquid medium not accepted.

Stability: Ambient: 4 days; Refrigerated: 7 days fresh growth; Frozen: Unacceptable

Normal Value: Not Applicable

Turn Around Time: 2 to 6 weeks

Mycobacteria Susceptibility

Isolates for susceptibility testing will be referred to a reference laboratory.

Susceptibility testing on M .tuberculosis will be submitted on all isolates from patients considered to be a new case as part of the initial culture procedure.

*Susceptibility testing on mycobacteria isolates other than M. tuberculosis will be submitted to a reference laboratory upon request with a handling fee.

Normal Value: Susceptible

Turn Around Time: Not Applicable

Mycobacterium tuberculosis/ Rifampin Nested Real Time PCR

Acceptable Specimen: 1 ml Sputum

2 samples per patient in a 3 month period or 12 months after the end of treatment.

The PCR test is only intended for use on specimens from patients showing signs and symptoms consistent with active pulmonary tuberculosis. The PCR test must be performed in conjunction with mycobacterial culture.

Stability: Ambient: 3 days; Refrigerated: 10 days; Frozen: Unacceptable

Normal Value: MTB Not detected

Turn Around Time: Test performed as needed

Mycoplasma genitalium TMA

Acceptable Specimen: Endocervical, urine, vaginal, penile meatal or male urethral specimen in a Hologic specimen collection kit.

Stability: Swab- Ambient: 60 days; Refrigerated: 60 days; Frozen: >60 days

Stability: Urine- Ambient: 30 days; Refrigerated: 30 days; Frozen: >30 days

Normal Value: Negative

Turn Around Time: 3 days

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Neisseria gonorrhoeae TMA

Can only be ordered as part of a dual test for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Refer to Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae TMA

Neisseria meningitidis Serogrouping

Mandatory Reportable Condition click HERE to report

Mandatory Isolate Submission

Acceptable Specimen: Pure isolate in appropriate tubed medium or Amies (with charcoal) transport medium. Plates not accepted.

The isolate may be forwarded to Minnesota Public Health Laboratory for testing.

A report with serotyping results will be issued to the submitting facility.

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Orthopox (Monkeypox) Panel PCR

Acceptable Specimen: Two sterile, dry synthetic swabs (including, but not limited to polyester, nylon, or dacron) per lesion labeled per site collected OR in synthetic swabs in VTM

Click here for collection instructions.

Stability: Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: >7 days

Normal Value: Not Detected

Turn Around Time: 1 day

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Parasites, Blood Giemsa Stain

Acceptable Specimen: At least two thin blood films and two thick films made from fresh blood are preferred

Blood containing anticoagulant (EDTA) can be used if films are prepared within one hour.

Air dry and send in protected container to prevent breakage.

The submission of a single blood specimen will not rule out blood parasites. Additional blood specimens are recommended.

Include EDTA whole blood and serum tubes for possible referral.

Pertinent travel history is requested.

Stability: Ambient: 7 days; Frozen: Unacceptable

Normal Value: No parasites seen

Turn Around Time: 2 days

Parasites, Stool

Acceptable Specimen: Stool specimen in Total-Fix preservative includes wet mount, trichrome stain and acid-fast stain (for Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora and Cystoisospora belli). Microsporidia examination is not included. If fresh stool sample is collected, sample must be placed in Total-Fix collection container within 30 minutes.

Two specimens are recommended, while three specimens offer the best chance of organism recovery.

Antibiotics such as metronidazole or tetracycline may interfere with the recovery of intestinal parasites, particularly the protozoa.

If specimen is collected in formalin, trichrome stain will not be performed.

*If Schistosomiasis is suspected, please send urine and stool specimens.

Click here for collection kits.

Stability: Ambient: 7 days; Frozen: Unacceptable

Normal Value: No parasites seen

Turn Around Time: 2 days

Pertussis PCR

Refer to Bordetella species HDA

Prenatal Hepatitis B Surface Antigen CLIA

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml serum

Stability: Ambient: 3 days; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: >7 days

Normal Value: Nonreactive

Turn Around Time: 1 day

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Q Fever, Total Ig IFA (Coxiella burnetii)

Serum for IFA testing will be referred to a reference laboratory.

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml acute and convalescent (3 weeks post onset) phase sera

Stability: Ambient: 1 day; Refrigerated: 6 days; Frozen: >6 days

Normal Value: < 1:256 or a less than fourfold increase in titer between acute and convalescent sera.

Turn Around Time: 7 days

Q Fever PCR (Coxiella burnetii)

Acceptable Specimen: Whole Blood and Environmental samples (Liquid, soil, powder, wipes, swabs, and paper)

Stability: Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: 2 months

Normal Value: Not Detected

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Quantiferon TB Gold Plus (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)

Acceptable Specimen: Four tube blood collection kit or 5-6 ml lithium heparin without gel

Click here for collection instructions

Click here for collection kits.

Samples must be received Monday through Thursday.

Stability: Refer to Collection Instructions link above.  Incubated and centrifuged plasma in QFT-Plus tubes - Refrigerated: 28 days; Frozen: >28 days

Normal Value: Negative

Turn Around Time: 3 days

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Rabies Direct Antigen Detection DFA

Acceptable Specimen: Animal testing only. Full cross section of brain stem and cerebellum. Contact Laboratory Services for assistance.

Please submit a rabies request form for each specimen.

Please call for consultation if animal brain cannot be removed prior to submission.

Stability: Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: Specimen must be shipped cold; Frozen: Unacceptable

Normal Value: Negative

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Respiratory Panel (RP2) PCR

Acceptable Specimen: Nasopharyngeal swabs in viral transport medium or saline

This assay simultaneously tests for the following pathogens:Adenovirus, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus 229E, Coronavirus OC43, SARS CoV-2, Human Metapneumovirus, Human Rhinovirus/Enterovirus, Influenza A, Influenza A/H1, Influenza A/H3, Influenza A/H1-2009, Influenza B, Parainfluenza 1, 2, 3 & 4, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Bordetella parapertussis, Bordetella pertussis, Chlamydia Pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Stability: Ambient: 4 hours; Refrigerated: 3 days; Frozen: 30 days

Normal Value: Not Detected

Turn Around Time: 2 days

Ricin Toxin TRF

Acceptable Specimen: Liquid, soil, powder, wipes, swabs, paper, plant material and food samples

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Rickettsia PCR

Acceptable Specimen: Venous whole blood preserved with EDTA or acid citrate dextrose Solution A (ACD-A)

This assay is intended for the qualitative detection and differentiation of R. rickettsii and R. prowazekii DNA. Specimens can be collected from individuals with signs or symptoms indicative of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or epidemic typhus and epidemiological risk factors consistent with potential exposure.

Stability: Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: Unacceptable

Normal Value: Negative

Turn Around Time: 2 days

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Rickettsia) Antibody IFA

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml acute and convalescent (3 weeks post onset) phase sera

Stability: Ambient: 1 day; Refrigerated: 3 days; Frozen: >3 days

Normal Value: < 1:64 or less than fourfold increase in titer between acute and convalescent sera.

Turn Around Time: 1 day

RPR - Rapid Plasma Reagin

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml serum

Stability: Ambient: 3 days; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: >7 days

Normal Value: Nonreactive

*Reactive RPR can be confirmed by TP-PA at facilities request. Contact Laboratory Services to order.

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Rubella (German Measles) Virus Antibody, IgM CLIA

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml acute phase serum. Include immunization history on test request form.

Stability: Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: >7 days

Normal Value: Negative

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Rubella Virus Antibody, IgG Immune Screen CLIA

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml serum

Stability: Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: >7 days

Normal Value: Positive

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Rubeola (Measles) Virus

Refer to Measles Virus

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Salmonella Serotyping

Mandatory Reportable Condition click HERE to report

Mandatory Isolate Submission

Acceptable Specimen: Pure isolate in appropriate tubed medium or Amies (with charcoal) transport medium. Plates not accepted.

*Facilities using molecular methods without conventional culture may send original stool sample.

*Serotypes will no longer be reported back to the submitting facility.

A report indicating if the isolate is a Salmonella species will be issued to the submitting facility.

SARS-CoV-2 PCR

Acceptable Specimen: Nasopharyngeal swab in viral transport medium or 2-3 ml nasal wash in sterile screw cap container

Click here for collection instructions

Stability: Refrigerated: 3 days; Frozen: -70 degrees C, ship on dry ice

Normal Value: Negative

Turn Around Time: 2 days

SARS-CoV-2 TrimericS IgG CLIA

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml serum or plasma

Stability: Ambient: 2 days; Refrigerated: 21 days; Frozen: >21 days

Normal Value: Negative

Turn Around Time: 3 days

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli confirmation

Mandatory Reportable Condition click HERE to report

Mandatory Isolate Submission

Acceptable Specimen: Shiga toxin positive specimen in appropriate transport media (MacConkey broth, GN broth, etc.)

*Facilities using molecular methods without conventional culture may send original stool sample.

*Cultures of verotoxigenic E.coli need to be shipped as a Category A specimen.

A report indicating if Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli was isolated will be issued to the submitting facility.

Shigella Serotyping

Mandatory Reportable Condition click HERE to report

Mandatory Isolate Submission

Acceptable Specimen: Pure isolate in appropriate tubed medium or Amies (with charcoal) transport medium. Plates not accepted.

*Facilities using molecular methods without conventional culture may send original stool sample.

A report with serotyping results will be issued to the submitting facility.

Smallpox/Vaccinia PCR (Orthopox Panel)

Acceptable Specimen: Contact Laboratory Services for specific recommendation regarding collection and transportation.

Call the North Dakota Department of Health if you suspect smallpox, an adverse reaction to smallpox vaccination or require consultation on an unusual or pustular rash illness.

Confirmation for Smallpox will be performed by the Minnesota Department of Health and/or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The smallpox risk level should be clearly noted on the laboratory requisition form accompanying any specimen labeled as “vesicle,” “blister,” “rash,” or otherwise suggestive of acute/generalized vesicular or pustular rash illness.

Turn Around Time: Preliminary PCR results within 1 day for vaccinia, VZV and non variola panel

St.Louis Encephalitis Ab IFA

Refer to Arboviral Encephalitis Panel

Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolate Submission

Mandatory Reportable Condition click HERE to report

Mandatory Isolate Submission

Acceptable Specimen: Pure isolate in appropriate tubed medium or Amies (with charcoal) transport medium. Plates not accepted.

Our laboratory participates in a project for the Antimicrobial Resistance Laboratory Network (ARLN). Isolate will be forwarded to the Minnesota Public Health Laboratory for serotyping and susceptibility testing.

*A report with serotyping results is available upon request.

Syphilis Testing Panel

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml serum

This panel starts with chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay screen (CMIA). If positive cases are identified, follow up testing will include RPR, and TPPA as needed.

Stability: Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: >7 days

Normal Value: Nonreactive

Turn Around Time: 1 day

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Treponema pallidum Particle Agglutination

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml serum

Stability: Ambient: 3 days; Refrigerated: 5 days; Frozen: >5 days

Normal Value: Nonreactive

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Trioplex PCR

Acceptable Specimen: 1.5 mL serum, 1.0 mL urine, CSF and amniotic fluid

*Must meet CDC requirements, this form must accompany the specimen sent to the lab.

Stability: Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 2 days; Frozen: >2 days

Normal Value: Zika Negative, Chikungunya Negative, Dengue Negative

Turn Around Time: 7 days

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Vancomycin-Resistant/Intermediate Staphylococcus aureus Confirmation

Mandatory Reportable Condition click HERE to report

Mandatory Isolate Submission

Acceptable Specimen: Pure isolate in appropriate tubed medium or Amies (with charcoal) transport medium. Plates not accepted.

A report with susceptibility to vancomycin will be issued to the submitting facility.

Varicella zoster Virus Antibody, IgG CLIA

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml serum

Stability: Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: >7 days

Normal Value: Positive

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Varicella zoster Virus Antibody, IgM IFA

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml acute phase serum

Stability: Ambient: 1 day; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: >7 days

Normal Value: <1:8

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Varicella zoster/Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2 HDA

Acceptable Specimen: Swab, in viral transport medium, from any lesion.

Stability: Ambient: 2 days; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: 7 days

Normal Value: Negative

Turn Around Time: 1 day

VDRL (Syphilis screen) Slide Flocculation

Acceptable Specimen: 1 ml spinal fluid

Stability: Ambient: 2 days; Refrigerated: 14 days; Frozen: >14 days

Normal Value: Nonreactive

Turn Around Time: 1 day

Vibrio Confirmation

Mandatory Reportable Condition click HERE to report

Mandatory Isolate Submission

Acceptable Specimen: Pure isolate in appropriate tubed medium or Amies (with charcoal) transport medium. Plates not accepted.

A report with the organism identification will be issued to the submitting facility.

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Western Equine Encephalitis Ab IFA

Refer to Arboviral Encephalitis Panel

West Nile Virus Antibody, IgM EIA

Acceptable Specimen: 2 ml late acute phase serum

Stability: Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 2 days; Frozen: >2 days

Normal Value: Negative

Turn Around Time: 3 days

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Yersinia pestis (Plague) Confirmation PCR/Culture

Acceptable Specimen: Isolate in appropriate tubed transport medium or cut out a piece of agar with growth and send in a sterile container. Plates are not accepted. For primary isolation and PCR, collect blood, tissue aspirate or biopsied tissue.

Transport: Blood at room temperature. Tissue samples at 2 to 8°C

Turn Around Time: 3 to 5 days

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