CJD, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (Please notify laboratory if suspected)

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Detection of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) (sporadic and genetic forms)
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Bacteriology
Specimen Type	○ CSF

Other Information

○ Contact UHN/SH microbiologist on call if CJD is suspected to ensure appropriate specimen collection and transport to the laboratory
○ Microbiology laboratory receives first CSF tube ONLY if one tube of fluid is available; if more than one tube can be collected, microbiology laboratory should receive the second or third tubes (less bloody)

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Sterile container (min volume 1 mL)

Collection Requirements

○ Decontaminate skin, perform lumbar puncture to collect at least 1 mL of CSF by lumbar puncture in sterile container, polypropylene tubes preferred.

Sample Stability

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery

Referral Laboratory

PHOL (recent change NML now PHL)

Routine Turnaround Time

○ 15 days from receipt by NML

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4477

Approval Required

YES; laboratory must be notified if agent is suspected

Sample Processing / Delivery

○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.. Place specimen into a hard shelled biohazard transport container and transport to the laboratory. Alert that specimen is query CJD.

○ Specimens should be stored and transported to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory at refrigeration temperature (2-8˚C) after collection

○ The specimen will be referred to the National Microbiology Laboratory for testing