Anthrax, Plague, & Tularemia Submission Guide

Please follow instructions closely. Email or call the NDSU-VDL prior to shipping or dropping off your specimen at (701) 231-8307. Failure to notify the laboratory prior to submitting the specimen may delay test results.

  • The NDSU-VDL tests for Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax), Francisella tularensis (Tularemia), and Yersinia pestis (Plague).
  • Special handling, packaging, and prior notification are required when submitting a sample suspected of containing one of these Select Agents. The agent may be present in lesions/buboes exudates and blood, tissues from infected animals, fluids from infected animals, and fluids from infected arthropods. Direct contact of skin or mucous membranes with infectious materials, accidental parenteral inoculation, ingestion, and exposure to aerosols and infectious droplets can result in infection. It is critically important to wear gloves and other appropriate personal protective equipment when handling animals and collecting samples suspected of containing one of these agents. See test pages for preferred sample types and information regarding appropriate containers. For the safety of laboratory staff,
  • NEVER send needles with the sample.
  • If dropping off the sample at the VDL, transport the sample in a leak-proof container within a box or sealable bag.

Packaging and Shipping Guidelines

  • Shipping: Line the bottom of the Styrofoam shipping container with paper towels or other absorbent material. Send sealed, properly labeled samples in a secondary plastic resealable bag. Place the sealed bag with the sample in a Styrofoam shipping container with a frozen icepack.
  • Write which agent is suspected clearly on the outside of the Styrofoam container e.g., SUSPECT ANTHRAX, SUSPECT TULAREMIA, SUSPECT PLAGUE. Do not write this on the outer box.
  • Fill out a General Submission Form. Be specific, include case history and clearly indicate the sample is suspected to contain a Select Agent. Place the submission form in a sealable bag; place the bag on the outside of the Styrofoam shipping container.
  • Place the Styrofoam container inside a rigid outer cardboard box. Seal outer box with packaging tape. Attach a Biological Substance Category B, UN3373 label on the outside of the box. Next day delivery is recommended. Note: Do not place any other samples in the box. If the sample is positive, all other samples in the same container will be destroyed.

Note: Do not place any other samples in the box. If the sample is positive, all other samples in the same container will be destroyed.

Revised 07-2019

Printable version available here.