Yersinia pestis (Plague) by Real-time (TaqMan®) PCR Assay
| Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Method | Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (q-PCR) Amplification of Yersinia pestis DNA. |
| Test Scope | Rapid presumptive identification by q-PCR of suspect Yersinia pestis from isolates or directly from clinical specimens and/or environmental specimens. Followed by confirmatory culture methods. |
| Preferred Specimen | Gram negative bacteria grown in liquid medium/blood culture or isolate on agar plates or slates. Collect other specimens if/as clinically indicated (lymph node aspirates, lesion exudates, bronchial/tracheal washings or nasopharyngeal swabs from inhalational exposure. Non-clinical environmental/evidentiary samples (paper, powder, soil, food, grass, water or air samples) accepted from law enforcement agencies ONLY. |
| Specimen Container | Isolates submitted in screw top slants. Swabs submitted in screw top polypropylene centrifuge tubes. Do Not use calcium alginate or cotton tip swabs. |
| Specimen Identification | Label specimen with patient’s first name, last name, DOB, collection date/time and specimen source. |
| Special Instructions | Alert NSHL staff (Microbiology or Emergency Response) when sending specimen for testing. |
| Shipping Requirements |
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| Note | Post antibiotic specimens may be compromised for the confirmatory culture methods. |
| Sample Rejection Criteria |
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| Turn-around-time | Presumptive PCR result within 12-24 hours, M-F; Culture confirmatory and speciation 7-10 days |