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Primary Containers

Primary Containers in Rack

 

Secondary Container

 

Styrofoam cooler in cardboard over pack

 

UN 3373 Label, Biological Substance Category B

 

EARC � Ear Culture

PURPOSE:                                                                                                                               Samples are cultured and evaluated for infective agents of acute otitis media, otitis media with effusion, and otitis externa (swimmers ear).

TURN AROUND TIME:                                                                                              Presumptive results are available in as little as 48 hours from the time that the sample is received by our lab. Confirmation of presumptive results takes an additional 24 hours. Estimated test time is dependent on specific test and on when test is initiated. Samples received in late afternoon or evening will not be started until the following morning, unless RUSH/STAT analysis is requested, in which an additional fee is applied.

TYPICAL POSITIVE RESULTS:                                                                                            - Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus spp, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Moraxella catarrhalis: Otitis Media                                                                                                               - Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Swimmers ear

NORMAL VALUES/NEGATIVE RESULTS:                                                             Low counts of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Lactobacillus organisms, and Propionibacterium acnes.

SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS:                                                                                      Sample Collection:                                                                                                           Qualified individuals should clean the ear first with a mild germicide to prevent contamination with normal skin flora, after which, a specimen of middle ear fluid can be collected using an approved, sterile swab, which RML can provide, free of charge, upon request. DO NOT REFRIGERATE THE SPECIMEN. Individuals collecting samples should use aseptic technique and employ proper protocols when collecting samples intended for lab testing (e.g. use of gloves, avoid contaminating sampling equipment & containers, proper storage after sampling, etc).                                                                                          Chain of Custody:                                                                                                              Label container with sample number, collection date & time, sample description (Type, Lot, Sell by date, case history, source, etc), and analysis requested.

SUGGESTED SHIPPING CATEGORY:                                                                    Category B Infectious Substance - Refer to Sample Submission Page for packaging, labeling, and shipping instructions for Category B Infectious Substances and follow all guidelines, except the step for adding ice packs.

Testing Fee $20.00  -  Submit sample for this test

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Customers sending samples/specimens to Roesink Microbiology Laboratories, LLC, are expected to comply with all applicable regulations governing packaging and labeling of Division 6.2 Materials. Shippers are responsible for proper packaging, marking and labeling, documentation, classification, and identification of each shipment. Failure to follow regulations can result in substantial financial penalties and/or jail; consequently, RML highly suggests that anyone sending Division 6.2 Materials (Infectious Substances) to our laboratory review and familiarize themselves with the current rules and regulations governing packaging and labeling of these materials. Links to these regulations can be found to the right and under the sample submission toolbar.

 

RML offers shipping & packaging materials to clients and customers upon request.

 

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Helpful website links and downloads for further information on government rules and regulations:

 

1. Informative brochure for Transporting Infectious Substances Safely (Highly recommended): Infectious Subs. brochure.qxp

 

2. Government Printing Office Website Link to Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Titles 1 through 50.

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&tpl=%2Findex.tpl

 

3. Government Printing Office Website Link to Electronic Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180)

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?sid=585c275ee19254ba07625d8c92fe925f&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title49/49cfrv2 02.tpl

 

4. Shippers Responsibility: �173.22

 

5. Class 6, Division 6.2 (Infectious substances)--Definitions and exceptions: �173.134

 

6. Training and Outreach Publications Module: How to Use the HMR

 

7. Website Link to PHMSA's Electronic Publications.

https://hazmatonline.phmsa.dot.gov/services/pub_default.aspx 

Applicable Regulations for Shipping, Packaging, & Labeling

 

 

6/18/09

 

Title 49 CFR Part 173: Department of Transportation regulations, which describe general requirements for shipments and packaging.

 

 

6/18/09

 

When shipping by air senders should also be in compliance with current International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations (www.iata.org) for dangerous goods.

 

 

7/27/09

 

CDC Ear Infection Resource

 

 

 

 

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