Plague Testing Update

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    The elimination of state funding to support the state health department lab in 2004-05 continues to have repercussions. Below is an announcement that, effective immediately, the lab will be charging for all plague and tularemia testing. In particular, this change will impact veterinarians testing suspected feline cases.

John Pape, Epidemiologist
303-692-2628,  john.pape@state.co.us

Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246
303-692-2000
www.cdphe.state.co.us

 

Health Alert Network Advisory

Laboratory Charges for Plague and Tularemia Testing

 Effective immediately, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment laboratory will be charging for all plague and tularemia testing.  This includes human and veterinary diagnostic specimens and specimens for environmental surveillance, case investigations and special studies.  Only samples that are associated with a bioterrorism event or for which the FBI has determined a credible threat exists will be tested at no charge.  These charges are required due to continuing budget shortfalls to support the laboratory.  A complete schedule of laboratory tests for plague and tularemia and the cost of these tests can be viewed at: www.cdphe.state.co.us/lr/services/Index.htm.  A partial listing of more commonly ordered tests and prices are listed below.  

Test

Cost

Specimens

Comment
 

culture

 

Plague $35

Tularemia $50

lymph node aspirate, tissue/carcass, whole blood

 		  

human or animal

blood is a valid specimen only for suspected septicemia cases

direct fluorescent

antibody (DFA)

 

$37.50

  

lymph node aspirate,

tissue/carcass

 

human or animal

 
 

polymerase chain

reaction (PCR)

 

$103

lymph node aspirate,

tissue/carcass,

whole blood,

flea pools

 

human or animal

blood is a valid specimen only for suspected septicemia cases

 

serology

 

$25

 

serum

 

human, feline or canine

Handling charge to forward specimens

to CDC for testing

 A comprehensive testing package for both plague and tularemia can be ordered that includes DFA, PCR and culture for $300.  This represents a 20% reduction over ordering these tests individually.  

Contact the laboratory at 303-692-3090 for additional details on appropriate specimens, turn around times, packaging, shipping and other questions on testing.  To set up an account or order laboratory requisition forms call 303-692-3086.  Consultation on plague surveillance, control or to report a suspect case is available from the Communicable Disease Epidemiology Program at 303-692-2700 (regular business hours) or 303-370-9495 (after-hours).