Diphtheria, Corynebacterium spp

Standard reference procedure for C. diphtheriae culture and identification.

Test performed Daily. Turn-around-time 72h

Swab of nasopharynx plus throat at site of membrane is preferred specimen.
A swab of nasopharynx plus throat at the site of membrane or inflammation site. Swab the base of cleansed wound. 

Use culturette swab with Stuart's or Amies medium. 
Note: Transport to lab within 24 hours of collection.
Specimen Labeling: Test subject to CLIA regulations and requires 2 patient identifiers and specimen source on container.

Prior to Shipment & Transport: Ambient 15-25°C

Shipping instructions, including specimen-handling requirements during transport:  Seal screw-top tubes with Parafilm™ or tape and place in biohazard bag with absorbent material.
Place specimen inside leak proof secondary container (biohazard bag and if transporting by air, use Tyvek™ Envelope) with adsorbent material. The secondary container must be packed inside an approved Category B shipping container.  Position NUlirt packing list or NPHL Test Order form between secondary container and box lid. Seal with tape.  Label outer box as UN3373 Category B, Biological Substance. Transport by NPHL ground courier. If courier not available, ship by FedEx, UPS, or USPS (1st Class, Priority or Express Mail). Follow appropriate DOT/IATA Regulation Guidelines.  For assistance, call NPHL State Training Coordinator at (402) 559-3590.
See instructions and shipping address: http://nphl.org/

NUlirt packing list or appropriate paperwork (completed in entirety) must accompany specimens.

Delay of transport. Refrigerate or frozen specimens

Stable at Ambient 15-25°C

Negative for Corynebacterium diphtheriae

Report positive Corynebacterium diphtheriae results immediately to local or state health department. Refer to Nebraska DHHS Title 173, Communicable Diseases.

Pre-approval needed from state or local health department.  Send approval to NPHL@unmc.edu or call (402) 559-9444.