Test Overview
Neutralization studies in mice.
Diagnosis of Botulism
Test Details
7 - 10 days
- Botulism Antitoxin Test
- Toxin, Botulism
- Infant Botulism
- Clostridium botulinum Toxin Test
Specimen Requirements
The ordering clinician must contact the MDHHS Bureau of Epidemiology (BOE) for approval for testing prior to collecting specimen. Contact the BOE 517-335-8165 (days) or 517-335-9030 (outside normal business hours). Collect blood in a red top tube. Centrifuge, aliquot into a plastic tube and refrigerate. Place stool or vomitus in a clean plastic container and refrigerate. Implicated food (0.5 cup minimum) may also be submitted for testing.
Obtain approval for testing BEFORE collecting specimen.
Additional Information
The decision to implement antitoxin treatment is an urgent clinical decision, and should not be dependent on laboratory testing. Release of antitoxin for treatment from CDC requires consultation with MDHHS Bureau of Epidemiology (BOE). In suspect cases, the attending/ordering physician should contact the BOE at 517-335-8165 (days) or 517-335-9030 (outside of normal business hours) to confirm the patient meets the clinical criteria, which include: Evidence of cranial nerve palsy (drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, double or blurred vision, dry mouth); Muscle weakness that moves progressively down the body, affecting the shoulders first, then descending to the upper arms, lower arms, thighs, calves, etc.; Shortness of breath and difficulty maintaining adequate breathing may ensue.; Constipation may or may not be present. Test sent to Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS); although there is no charge for testing, MLabs charges a handling fee for processing and forwarding specimens to MDHHS.