Diphtheria – Respiratory
Specimen Requirements
| Test Requested | Required Requisition(s) | Specimen Type | Minimum Volume | Collection Kit |
Diphtheria culture |
Swab from: Throat, nose, nasopharynx/nasopharyngeal, membranous material, tonsillar fossae, posterior pharynx, or uvula |
Swab in transport media provided in kit |
Amies Charcoal Transport Media; Kit Order #300229 |
Submission and Collection Notes
Swabs should be taken from inflamed areas of the throat, nose and nasopharynx in symptomatic patients. If present, membranous material should also be submitted.
For detection of asymptomatic carriers, nasopharyngeal and throat swabs (tonsillar fossae, posterior pharynx and uvula) should be collected.
Timing of Specimen Collection
Specimens should be collected during the acute phase of illness and delivered to the lab as soon as possible.
Preparation Prior to Transport
Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.
Special Instructions
Specimens should be stored at 2-8°C following collection and shipped to PHO laboratory on ice packs.
Storage/transit time should be within 3 days of collection.
Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)
The Diphtheria culture is set up daily, Monday to Friday.
Turnaround time is up to 5 days from receipt by PHO laboratory.
Reporting
Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.
Specimens that are positive for Diphtheria are to be reported to Medical Officer of Health as per Health Protection and Promotion Act.
Swabs are set up on bacterial culture medium for identification and isolates of C. diphtheriae are tested for toxigenicity.
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