Clostridium botulinum

TEST NAME Clostridium botulinum
DISEASE/DISORDER Botulism
ALTERNATE NAME(S) None
METHODOLOGY LRN-B Botulinum toxin testing:  PCR/ 7500DX and Mouse Bioassay
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
  • Isolate Submission REQUIRED.
  • Contact Bioterrorism laboratory before submission. 
ORDERING INFORMATION

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TDH DLS Requisition:  PH-4263 Clinical Select Agent Rule-Out Submission Requisition

Specimen Requirements

Patient Preparation
  • None
Specimen Collection
  • Stool

 - C&S Culture Transport Media (i.e. ParaPak)

- Semisolid or liquid transport media (i.e. Cary Blair or Amies)

- Commercially available enteric transport medium

  • Isolate

-Media that maintains anaerobic conditions (i.e. chopped meat broth, thioglycolate broth)

- Commercially available anaerobic transport media/system
Specimen Labeling
  • Specimen should be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers along with specimen source and match accompanying test order.
Specimen Processing
  • None
Specimen Storage and Preservation
  • Stool specimens and isolates should be stored at ambient temperature.
Specimen Transport
  • Ship stool specimens and isolates at ambient temperature.
  • All infectious substance shipments must conform to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR 49 C.F.R. Parts 171-180). 
Specimen Acceptability and Rejection
  • Specimens that do not adhere to all specimen requirements will be rejected.
Testing Location
  • Nashville

This Page Last Updated: April 1, 2026 at 11:22 AM