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Phone: 512-776-7598

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ClostridiumPCR

PCR: Clostridium Botulinum Toxin Genes

Laboratory Fee Schedule
Procedure #: BTA0040
CPT: 87798

Synonym (s):	Clostridium botulinum toxin gene PCR, Botulism
Requisition Form	G-27A
Test Description	Detection of Clostridium botulinum toxin genes by PCR (Note: this detects the presence of toxin genes, which may or may not actively express toxin)
Pre-Approval Needed	DSHS Epidemiology consultation with physician required. Must notify Biothreat Team prior to sample submission: (512) 689-5537.
Supplemental Information Required	Patient History
Supplemental Form(s)	N/A
Performed on Specimens from (sources)	Human Environmental Food (associated with a positive clinical sample)
Sample/Specimen Type for Testing	Anaerobic isolate Stool Gastric Water enema Wound swab Tissue Food (associated with a positive clinical sample)
Minimum Volume/Size Required	Feces Infant 10 g or 5 mL enema Adult 50 g or 5 mL enema Vomitus or gastric aspirate 20 mL Food 50 g Wound swab 1 required, 2 preferred. Tissue Pea-sized sample
Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping	Wound and tissue. Maintain at ambient temperature. All others Maintain at 2° to 8° C (refrigerated)
Transport Medium	Isolates sent in anaerobic transport media
Specimen Labeling	Human Two patient-specific identifiers required (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, medical record number) Identifiers on specimen must exactly match submission form. Non-Human, Environmental or Food Sample identification must match submission form.
Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements	Ship according to Dangerous Good Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49. Handled as infectious agent using universal precautions. Triple contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations for infectious agents. See also Emergency Preparedness resources online. Notify Biothreat Team prior to sample submission: (512) 689-5537.
Method	PCR
Turn-around Time	7- 14 days
Interferences/Limitations	Use dacron or rayon swabs for sample collection, as cotton swabs interfere with PCR.
Common Causes for Rejection	Insufficient quantity Unacceptable specimen type or source Improper shipping conditions Expired media or collection container Discrepancies between specimen label and submission form Incomplete or missing submission form
Additional Information	May be paired with Culture: Botulinum (human) and/or Botulinum- Toxin assay.