Botulism Laboratory Confirmation  

 
IMPORTANT! Pre-approval needed from state or local health department. Local or State Health Department. Send approval to NPHL@unmc.edu or call (402) 559-9444.

NPHL has moved to an electronic ordering system, NUlirt, and it is now the preferred method to order all tests. Once ordered, print a "batch list" (see NUlirt Guide).

Forms Required - Nulirt batch list or NPHL Test Request Form (completed in entirety) must accompany the specimen to include the following information: symptoms and date of onset, pregnancy status, travel and vaccine history. Testing will not be performed without all required information.

Please call NPHL Client Services at (402) 559-2440 or toll free at (800) 334-0459 for further clarification.

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Test: Botulism Laboratory Confirmation
Order in NUlirt or complete NPHL Test Order Form with
Supplemental Forms  –  CDC Submission Form: Specimens of Human Origin
http://nphl-new.cfwebtools.com/documents/CDC_Submission_Form_50.34_2020.pdf  
Synonym: Botulinum toxin, Clostridium botulinum  
Method: Mouse Bioassay, Mass Spectrometry (MS), Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR),  
Availability: Monday – Thursday.  
Specimen: https://www.cdc.gov/laboratory/specimen-submission/detail.html?CDCTestCode=CDC-10132  
Collection Device: See additional Information.
Specimen Labeling: Test subject to CLIA regulations and required 2 patient identifiers on specimen container and requisition forms  
Volume: See website listed above  
Storage/Transport:

Prior to and during shipment:  Refrigerate 2-8°C.  
Shipping instructions, including specimen-handling requirements during transport:  Seal screw-top tubes with Parafilm™ or tape and place in biohazard bag with absorbent material.
Ship in insulated box on frozen gel-packs. Place packing list or other paperwork on top of Styrofoam and lid. Mark out rigid box as UN3373 Category B, Biological Substance. Transport by NPHL ground courier. If courier not available, ship by FedEx, UPS or USPS (1st Class, Priority or Express Mail). Follow appropriate DOT/IATA Regulation Guidelines.  For assistance, call NPHL State Training Coordinator at (402) 559-3590.  
See instructions and shipping address: http://nphl.org
NUlirt packing list or appropriate paperwork (completed in entirety) must accompany specimens.

 
Unacceptable: Incorrect storage and/or spoilage of food may affect results.  
Specimen Stability: Stable at Refrigerated 2-8°C.  Ship as soon as possible  
Reference Interval:  
Reportable Disease: Disease positive test is reportable immediately to local health department via phone  
Comments: Hospitals must obtain approval from their state health department prior to submitting specimens to NPHL.
Test Performed at the CDC  
Revised: 3/21/2021 
If you have questions about proper specimen collection, please call NPHL Client Services at (402) 559-2440 or toll free at (800) 334-0459.

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