Aliases
C. diphtheriae culture, Diphtheria
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StewaD1
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Test Name
Corynebacterium diphtheriae Culture - Specimen
Test Code
CDIPCU
Methodology
Biochemicals, Culture, MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight) mass spectrometry
Overview/Supplementary
This test isolates and identifies Corynebacterium diphtheriae from clinical specimens.
If Corynebacterium diphtheriae is identified, the isolate will be referred for toxin testing to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention laboratories, Atlanta, GA.
Turn Around Time
3-7 days: Culture
2 weeks: Toxin testing
Specimen Requirements
Specimens: Nasopharynx, throat, or wound swab transported in Amies or Stuart media.
If possible, collect from several areas to increase sensitivity.
If cutaneous diphtheria is suspected, it is recommended to collect skin, throat, and nasopharynx swabs.
Special Considerations
Requests for Diphtheria culture and antitoxin should be called to the Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention, and Control Department (651-201-5414).
Notify the MDH microbiology laboratory prior to specimen collection so that Tinsdale agar can be prepared.
Transport/Stability
Transport specimen at refrigerated (2°C to 8°C) temperature on ice within 24 hours of collection.
If there is a delay in shipping, place inoculated swab directly into Loeffler's media slants and incubate at 35 ± 2°C until shipped, then ship at ambient (8°C to 25°C) temperature.
Interface/Codes
LOINC: 16676-9
Test Resource ID
886