South Dakota State University ADRDL

Anthrax Submissions

Sampling Guidelines

1. Preferred specimen is blood from the suspect animal. Portions of ear are not suitable samples.

· Use a 12 cc syringe with 16 or 18 gauge 1 ½ inch needle attached.

· Obtain 5-10 cc’s blood from jugular vein.

· If the jugular vein is difficult to find due to carcass swelling, try the tail vein.

2. Transfer the blood sample to a sterile blood tube aseptically. Only one tube per animal is necessary.

· Do not fill tube more than half-full.

· Stopper tightly.

· Label tube clearly with animal ID.

3. Place blood tube in whirl-pak bag with absorbent material. Avoid soiling the outside of the package with blood.
4. Bag again with a second whirl-pak bag.

· Write “Anthrax Suspect” on the outer bag.

5. Pack in an insulated container with enough ice packs to maintain refrigeration until the specimens reach the laboratory.

· Do not place ice directly on tubes (to avoid freezing). Separate ice packs from specimen with crumpled newspaper.

6. If sample is expected to arrive at lab after regular hours, notify the lab at 605-688-5171. After hours contact information is available at this number.

8/19/05