Specimens - Blood

• Baseline Evaluation.
• Blood cultures should be obtained for Y. pestis isolation before administration of antibiotics.
• Convalescent serum
• At least 14 days apart.
• Preferably 3 to 4 weeks after onset of symptoms.
• May not be practical for all patients in a mass casualty setting. Work with your health department on their needs during this time.
• Plasma and whole blood dried on filter paper are acceptable alternatives to serum.
• Two or more sequentially collected samples of blood for Y. pestis are preferred. It is usually low in numbers and multiple sampling provides opportunity for a successful recovery of the live organism.