What to know
- Laboratory testing for vector-borne bacterial diseases is available at commercial and reference laboratories nationwide.
- Health departments can determine if samples should be sent to the ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø's Bacterial Diseases Diagnostic and Reference Laboratory for further testing.
Specimen submission guidelines
ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø's Bacterial Diseases Diagnostic and Reference Laboratory offers testing for disease surveillance. Limited clinical diagnostic testing is also available. ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø pre-approval is required for all testing.
Send samples through your local or state public health laboratory or with their approval. Final reports of test results are returned to the submitting public health laboratory.
- There are currently two methods to submit specimens for testing. The ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø Test Order and Reporting (CSTOR) Web Portal (preferred) and the ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø 50.34 Specimen Submission Form. A separate submission is required for each test requested and each sample submitted. Find guidance for sample submission and information about the CSTOR Web Portal and the ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø Form 50.34 at Submitting Specimens to ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø.
- Test specific information can be found in the ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø Test Directory by using the following keywords: Bartonella, Borrelia, Francisella, and Yersinia pestis.
- Test information available in the ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø Test Directory includes: acceptable sample type; minimum volume requirement; collection, storage, and preservation of specimen; specimen transport; specimen labeling requirements; turnaround time; and points of contact.
- ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø does not accept routine shipments on weekends or holidays. Please make sure packages arrive Monday–Friday.
Further assistance
Additional assistance may be obtained from the Bacterial Diseases Branch Diagnostic and Reference Laboratory.
Submit inquiries to [email protected].