DHHS → MeCDC → Division of Public Health Systems → HETL → HETL Sections → Microbiological Services → CDC Services
Information
SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL (CDC)
Occasionally, there is a need for specialized laboratory testing for rare or exotic diseases, which require the resources of the Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control. Because of the large number of tests for various microbial infections, inquiries for consultative or testing services should be made to the appropriate microbiology section within the Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (e.g. Virology, Bacteriology, or Mycobacteriology) if culture material is being sent. All questions regarding serological testing should be directed to the Virology section. The general requirements for serum specimens are:
1. CDC form 50.34 MUST be completed as fully as possible in order to provide an accurate clinical history of the patient (e.g. Date of rash onset for measles specimens is important in determining suitability of the specimen for the test ordered and if any other test or sample type would be more appropriate). Failure to comply with this can result in the rejection of the serum specimen by the CDC.
2. Serum specimens should be aseptically collected to minimize contamination. The usual volume of blood drawn from adults is 8-10 ml although 3-4 ml from pediatric patients may be sufficient. The blood specimen is allowed to clot at room temperature for about one hour and then centrifuged to collect the serum into a sterile tube.
3. Paired serum specimens from the same patient are preferred and in some cases, required by the CDC (exceptions are tests for parasitology, mycology and syphilis). The acute-phase serum should be obtained as soon as possible after clinical onset while the second, convalescent-phase serum should be taken 2-4 weeks later depending upon the suspected disease.
4. Human Parvovirus testing is available, but because of the ubiquitous nature of these viruses, primary diagnosis by serologic testing or virus isolation cannot be routinely offered. These services may be provided by prior consultation and arrangement with the Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases for outbreaks or cases of unusual public health significance. (e.g. Patients with suspected unusual manifestation of B-19 infection requires prior approval from the CDC for each patient).
5. Occasionally a bacterial isolate cannot be identified by the Bacteriology section of the Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory and will be referred to the CDC for identification.
6. When Clostridium botulinum is suspected, please call the Bacteriology Section for information and instructions on shipment and handling. Contact with the CDC is necessary prior to shipping material for analysis.
7. Staphylococcal phage typing and toxin testing require prior approval from the CDC. Usually single cases are not accepted unless epidemiologically significant.
