TIPS ON CONDUCTING THE TEST

File: 120396_sep96_decls71_0001.txt
Page: 0001
Total Pages: 4

Subject: TIPS ON CONDUCTING THE TEST                                     

Unit: OTSG        

Parent Organization: HSC         

Box ID: BX003203

Folder Title: ANTHRAX PA ASSAY SMART TEST                                                                     

Document Number:          1

Folder SEQ  #:         24




        JAN 30 '91 10:21 USPMPDC                                           P.1


                                         UNCLASSIFIED






          TIPS ON CONDUCTING THE TEST:
               -Only use on patients where there is a strong clinical
          suspicion of anthrax. Do not use as a screening test for febrile
          patients.
               -Add at least 6 drops of wash solution to the test tube,
          rather than 2 drops as recommended in the package insert, This
          should cut down an background and may reduce the number of false
          positive reactions. Additionallyr this may reduce the problem of
          the liquid not passing through the filter to the Results side of
          the reaction chamber.
               -When adding drOP$r hold the dropper in a vertical position
          well away from the lip of the test tube. Make sure that drops
          are fully formed.
               -Make sure that the dehydrated material is fully into
          solution before adding test serum. Gently shake the tube if
          necessary to insure complete rehydration.
               -Laboratory staff receiving the Smart Test should practice
          using the assay by testing sera from healthy persons seen in
          their clinic, The ob@ective is to get a "feel" for the test, and
          to develop skills to avoid interpreting weak reactions as
          positive. Be sure to include both positive and negative controls
          in each assay, and compare results to the standards included in
          the test kit. Sera from seriously ill patients with inhalation
          anthrax will yield a strong positive reaction; weak positive
          reactions should be interpreted with great caution.
               -Carefully inspect the "Results" side of the test when
          making readings to insure that the liquid has penetrated the
          filter. Some discoloration should be obvious. (Compare to an
          unused assay if you have questions.) if the Results side is dry,
        add a few additional drops of wash solution to the swab, reinsert
          into the test chamber, and again apply pressure, Check
          immediately to see if liquid has passed the filter. If it has,
          re-close and incubate as directed. if it has not, discard the
          assay and repeat the test using a now one.
               -Remember that the Smart Test is only designed to yield a
          rapid, presumptive result. Additional tests are necessary for
          confirmation
                     1. Gram stains and Giemsa stains on peripheral blood
          should be  positive in most cases at the level of bacteremia
          needed to  yield positive results on the Smart Test.
                     2. A confirmatory enzyme immunoassay is available at
          reference  laboratories. This test does not appear to "ffer from
          the false  positive or false negative problems seen with the Smart
          Test,
                     3. Culture capabilities and antibiotic sensitivity
          assays are available at reference laboratories. These test$
          should be immediately requested on any Smart Test positive
          specimens.                DECLASSIFIED
                                    ON: 15 NOV 96
                     UNCLASSIFIED   BY: SEC ARMY (DAMH) UNDER SEC 3.4 EO 12958

Document 4 f:/Week-36/BX003203/ANTHRAX PA ASSAY SMART TEST/tips on conducting the test:11259610130311
Control Fields 17
File Room = sep96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-36
Box ID = BX003203
Unit = OTSG
Parent Organization = HSC
Folder Title = ANTHRAX PA ASSAY SMART TEST
Folder Seq # = 24
Subject = TIPS ON CONDUCTING THE TEST
Document Seq # = 1
Document Date =
Scan Date =
Queued for Declassification = 01-JAN-1980
Short Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Long Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Permanent Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Non-Health Related Document = 01-JAN-1980
Declassified = 25-NOV-1996