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Contact Info
Public Health Laboratory
651-201-5200
health.mdhlab@state.mn.us

Contact Info

Public Health Laboratory
651-201-5200
health.mdhlab@state.mn.us

Specimen Requirements for Yersinia pestis

The Clinical Guide to Services is a comprehensive reference guide of testing services, shipping information, and submission requirements for Minnesota’s Infectious Disease Laboratory.

Even though there are ongoing efforts to keep information current, some information may not be up to date due to recent changes in testing procedures and/or regulation. Many of these tests are only available with prior approval from the Minnesota Department of Health.

If you cannot find what you are looking for in the guide, please Contact the Infectious Disease Laboratory.

Back to agent: Yersinia pestis

Type of Infection
Specimen type
Minimum Volume
Collection Comments
Bubonic Plague Lymph node (bubo) aspirate 2 ml  
Septicemic Plague Blood culture Refer to manufacturer's recommendation A series of 3 venipuncture specimens taken 15-30 minutes apart is most effective. Collect prior to antibiotic use if possible.
Blood in sodium polyanethol sulfonate (SPS) 8 ml Blood collected in SPS may be inoculated into blood culture bottles upon receipt at MDH.
Pneumonic Plague Sputum 1 ml "Bloody" sputum is a hallmark of this disease.
Tracheal aspirates, bronchoalveolar wash, etc. 1 ml Bronchial or tracheal aspirates are the specimens of choice.
Nasal/Throat swab 1 swab For epidemiologic purposes only. Useful only within 24 hours of exposure.
Misc/Other Whole blood 1 ml Collect in EDTA, purple top tube. For molecular testing, must be pre-approved by MDH.
Serum/plasma 2 ml Acute-phase specimen should be collected ASAP after onset of disease.
Convalescent-phase specimen should be collected >14 days after the acute specimen.
Sent to CDC for testing, must be pre-approved by MDH.
Postmortem Lymph and lung tissue, bone-marrow 1-5 g
1ml
 

Back to List of Tests

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  • infectious disease lab
Last Updated: 11/21/2022

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