Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Clinical Specimen Submission Guidance
Submit all specimens to 50 Orms St, Providence RI 02904. Open Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory 401-222-5586
Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Diphtheria
Isolation and identification of Corynebacterium diphtheriae
PREAUTHORIZATION by the RIDOH Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology (401) 222-2577 is required prior to transporting PRIMARY SPECIMENS.
Primary specimens and isolates will be sent to CDC for testing.
For additional information contact the Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory at (401) 222-5586
Isolates: Submit freshly growing (<48 hours old) pure isolates on appropriate tube or plated media sealed with parafilm or other appropriate barrier film.
Specimens: Consult with the RISHL Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory at (401) 222-5586 for specific specimen collection instructions.
CLIA regulations require specimens be labeled with at least two patient identifiers. Examples of identifiers are first and last name, date of birth, chart/medical record number. The specimen container must be labeled to match the test requisition or the electronic order.
Rhode Island State Health Laboratories (RISHL) test requisition form https://health.ri.gov/forms/LabRequisitionForm.pdf
CDC 50.34 Form is required
Isolates: Bacterial Isolate (ID/Comfirmation)
Write "rule out C.diphtheriae" or "confirm C. diphtheriae" under Comments/Other test requests
Specimens: CDC Sendout
Write "rule out C. diphtheriae" under Comments/Other test requests
Isolates: Freshly growing (<48 hours old) subculture at ambient temperature 25° to 30° C.
Specimens: Must be received on day of collection. Call RISHL Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory at (401) 222-5586 for specific instructions for transporting.
Specimens must be packaged & transported in accordance with current federal shipping regulations.
Negative for Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Providers must report patient information on Diphtheria immediately using the RIDOH reportable disease form.
CDC Testing: 2 weeks
Containers specifically labeled for transport of specimens and isolates to the RISHL Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory are available in all Microbiology Laboratories and Laboratory Sendout Departments.