Skip to main content

Salmonella spp. – Identification

Laboratory Fee Schedule
Procedure #:  MAQ0112A
CPT:  N/A

Synonym(s): Salmonellosis
Requisition Form G-22-(Food); G-23; G-21 Path-Pathogen; MSA-FORM 50-1
Test Description Food analysis method used to identify Salmonella spp. includes enrichment, rapid screen, isolation, and biochemical testing.
Pre-Approval Needed DSHS Regulatory Agency OR Emerging and Acute Infectious Disease Unit Agency
Supplemental Information Required N/A
Supplemental Form(s) N/A
Performed on Specimens from (sources)
  • Food
  • Environmental
Sample/Specimen Type for Testing
  • Food/milk samples
  • Environmental swabs
Minimum Volume/Size Required
  • 100 grams (1/4 pound); or
  • 500 grams (1.1 pounds) (beef trim, ground beef)
Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping

Food

  • Place food sample in sterile zip-lock or whirlpack bag or other sterile plastic container. 
  • Store on ice.
  • Milk must be tested within 60 hours of collection.
  • Raw Poultry Rinsates, and Raw Poultry Carcass Sponges must be tested within 2 days of collection. 
  • Raw Comminuted Poultry must be tested within 4 days of collection.
  • Raw Beef Products and Cloth Sampling Device samples must be tested within 5 days of collection.
  • Ready-To-Eat Samples have no hold time limit; but must be in acceptable condition on receipt.

Environmental swabs

  • Environmental swabs must be collected on appropriate swabs used for environmental testing (e.g., 3M™ Quick Swabs or Spongesicle type swabs or equivalent). 
  • Environmental swabs must be tested within 48 hours of collection.
Transport Medium N/A
Specimen Labeling Sample Identification must match submission form.
Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements
  • Ship samples on Ice and/or Ice Packs.
  • Samples must be shipped for overnight delivery.
  • Ship according to Dangerous Good Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49.
Method
  • BAX® Real-Time PCR Screen
  • VIDAS® ELFA Screen
  • FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM)- Chapter 5
Turn-around Time 14 Days
Interferences/Limitations
  • The sample should represent the outer surface as well as the interior of the food. 
  • must be tested within 60 hours of collection
Common Causes for Rejection
  • Insufficient specimen
  • Not collected by a Registered Sanitarian
  • Incorrect swab used for collection.
  • Improperly stored.
  • Failure to meet shipping guidelines.
Additional Information N/A