ON BIOLOGICAL SPECIMEN COLLECTION : Influence of various conditions during specimen collection on experimental data

Specimen collection for electron microscopy.

were “unknown agents.” For the sake of objectivity, we based our assumption on the aggregate of information for known pathogens rather than on “expert opinion.” Interestingly, however, the Council of Science and Technology’s “expert opinion” of the percentage of diarrheal illness due to foodborne transmission was 35% (1), nearly identical to the figure we developed. As noted in our article, pat...

Urine specimen collection and transport.

is started on a new antibiotic, always take an “antibiotic timeout” and reassess the patient after the first 48 to 72 hours of antimicrobial therapy to assure that the patient has responded to the antimicrobial therapy, as many of the uropathogens are multidrug-resistant. A urinalysis and culture should be collected based on the patient’s symptoms and not solely based on the urine’s characteris...

Specimen collection: an essential tool.

Specimen collection for electron microscopy.

analysis of PCR products amplified from five strains of spotted fever group Rickettsiae with Rr with Rr 190. synthase gene comparison, a new tool for phylogenetic analysis, and its application for the Rickettsiae. To the Editor: As virologists whose specialties include diagnostic electron microscopy (EM), we read with interest the discussion on bioterrorism scenarios (1,2) and the subsequent no...

Specimen Collection and Confirmation of Norovirus Outbreaks1

We evaluated data from gastroenteritis outbreaks in Oregon to assess sensitivity of stool testing for norovirus and determine number of specimens needed to confirm norovirus as the cause. Norovirus can be readily confirmed if 3-6 specimens are collected any time ≤7 days after onset of diarrhea and for almost that long after symptoms resolve.