Anthrax Testing Services

Anthrax Testing Service

CBI provides full service capability to provide Microbial Pathogen testing at CBI or onsite. Our laboratory at CBI, following the protocols developed by the CDC, APHL, and the Laboratory Response Network, offers testing services for suspect samples or environmental monitoring. All samples which test positive at CBI are forwarded to the appropriate public health laboratories, appropriate government agencies or law enforcement laboratories for confirmation.

CBI utilizes the facilities and expertise it has developed over the past ten years to provide the critical analysis necessary to identify bacteria in suspect environmental samples. Through many years of contract government work, CBI has advanced the knowledge and understanding of detection in complex samples.

Powders

Lab testing of powders or other materials suspected of harboring the anthrax bacteria can be performed. CBI can accept appropriately packaged and labeled samples through Fed Ex or can collect samples onsite and ship to CBI laboratories. CBI will perform the tests using a two phase approach. Phase I includes initial characterization, growth and identification by molecular diagnostics. Phase II testing includes a series of biochemical and microbiological confirmation analysis and is only performed if positive results are obtained in Phase I. Positive tests will be reported and the appropriate government laboratories for confirmatory analysis.

Phase I tests include:
• Culture of suspected materials
• Microscopic examination
• Gram Stain
• Evaluation of growth in broth
• PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test that amplifies DNA at five sites

Phase II tests for confirmation:
• Microbiological analysis
• Hemolysis,
• AP ID testing,
• Morphology analysis.
• MLVA (isolate/strain ID)
• Other specialized tests to confirm the identification of the bacteria.

Environment Testing

During the course of an investigation important information may be obtained from sampling the environment where the exposure may have occurred. Testing of the environment is useful for detecting trace amounts of anthrax spores. Specimens obtained may include:

• Swabs on contamination of various surfaces
• Samples of the air (off filters)
• Paper samples
• Soil samples
• Cloth
• Water

These samples are processed in the laboratory to promote growth of any spores, if present. If suspicious bacteria grow, additional testing will be performed.

Monitoring

CBI experts can work with you to devise continual monitoring of your facility or place of business for detection of anthrax or other agents. CBI's monitoring program can include post-decontamination surface testing and viability testing of decontaminated materials. CBI specialists will visit your facility for an onsite consultation. A specific monitoring program will be set up to address your needs.

CBI can monitor:
• Receiving/shipping areas
• Offices
• Air handling systems
• Manufacturing areas
• Mailrooms
• Environmental testing

Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc. 601 Biotech Drive, Richmond, VA 23235 800-735-9224 (800-RELY-CBI) FAX: 804-648-2641 email: [email protected]