Page 235 - Vessel Sanitation Program 2018 Operations Manual

VSP 2018 Operations Manual

stool specimens.

13.4.5.4 Guidelines for Collecting Fecal Specimens for Bacteriologic
Diagnosis
Before use, the transport media should be stored in a refrigerator or at
room temperature. If the transport media is stored at room temperature, it
should normally be chilled for 1 to 2 hours by refrigeration before use.

At least two rectal swabs or swabs of fresh stools should normally be
collected for bacterial analysis and placed in refrigerated Cary-Blair
transport media.

It is recommended that the swabs be inserted initially into the transport
media to moisten, then inserted about 1 to 1-1/2 inches (approximately
25 to 38 millimeters) into the rectum, gently rotated, and removed for
insertion individually into the same tube of transport media.

If possible, there should be visible fecal material on the swabs.

Both swabs should be inserted into the same tube of media and the swabs
pushed completely to the bottom of the tube.

The top portion of the stick touching the fingers should be broken off and
discarded.

Refrigeration during transport may be accomplished by shipping in an
insulated box with frozen refrigerant packs. The specimens must never be
frozen during storage or transport.

13.4.5.5 Guidelines for Collecting Fecal Specimens for Parasite
Diagnosis

13.4.5.5.1 Parasite Specimens
In the event a disease of parasitic etiology is suspected,
arrangements will be made for shipment of appropriate specimen
containers containing 10% formalin and PVA (polyvinyl alcohol).

A summary table with instructions for collecting clinical
specimens during OUTBREAKS to test for bacteria, viruses, and
parasites is available at
www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/outbreaks/investigating-
outbreaks/specimen-collection.html.

Annex 13.4: Acute Gastroenteritis Outbreak Investigation; 182