**USPHS/FOH PROTOCOL FOR TAKING SURFACE WIPE SAMPLES**

**SCREENING FOR THE PRESENCE OF ANTHRAX**

**BACTERIA IN NON-THREAT AREAS**

**NOTE:** This protocol is not for use in areas where a credible threat
of anthrax exposure has been identified. It is for use on non-porous
surfaces such as table tops counters, desks, file cabinets, metal
surfaces, and non-carpeted floors. Analysis is by extraction of spores,
culturing on appropriate media, and use of an appropriate confirmation
method.

Sampling locations shall be chosen based upon the recommendations
detailed in the CDC "Guidelines for Developing an Environmental Sampling
Strategy for *Bacillus anthracis* in Mail Processing Facilities" dated
10/28/2001.

# [Preparation]{.underline}

1\. Outside the actual area to be sampled, identify a surface for
general sample preparation and operations staging. This area should be
as dust free as possible. This area should ideally consist of a table or
other non-porous surface that can be cleaned and prepared prior to
sampling. All sampling materials and equipment should be organized in/on
this clean area. Upon collection of samples from potentially
contaminated areas, they should be returned to this area for additional
labeling, tracking, handling, etc.

2\. Sketch area to be surveyed and record approximate area measurements
and general description. The areas to be surveyed should include all
mailrooms, loading docks and receiving areas.

3\. Identify on sketch all mail and parcel contact surfaces and handling
equipment with approximate area estimate (square feet). This should
include mail-sorting surfaces, x-ray machines, and areas with visible
dust accumulation. Sample all mail/parcel contact surfaces according to
sampling methodology detailed below.

# [Precautions]{.underline}

1\. Strict aseptic techniques should be used in all sampling activities.

2\. Personnel shall wear and change gloves for each sample. (Ensure that
proper glove changing techniques are used, i.e. potentially contaminated
glove surfaces never touch the skin).

3\. Extreme care shall be taken not to touch skin or eyes.

4\. Sampling technician shall frequently, and prior to leaving each
facility, wash hands with soap and water.

5\. Sampling technicians shall utilize Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) as detailed in the CDC recommended practices "Protecting
Investigators from exposure to *Bacillus anthracis*: Using Personal
Protective Equipment".

6\. All sampling technicians shall participate in a medical surveillance
program for *Bacillus anthracis.*

7\. Sampling technicians shall be provided antibiotic preventive
(prophylaxis) by the government.

# [Sampling]{.underline}

1\. Don sterile non-powered disposable gloves.

2\. Obtain vile containing pre-packed moistened sterile gauze pad.
Remove lid. Remove 3' x 3' cause pad from container.

3\. Wipe surface up to 10 square feet. Avoid letting gauze pad become
dry. Wipe entire surface area using vertical strokes. Fold the exposed
side of the pad. Wipe over entire surface area a second time using
horizontal strokes.

4\. Return sample to sample vile and tightly replace lid. .

5\. Place vile containing sample in self-sealing plastic bag. Tightly
seal plastic bag.

# [Sample Handling]{.underline}

1\. Ensure that the sample number is recorded on sketch, sample, and
sample sheet.

2\. Ensure that sample location and area are recorded on sample sheet.

3\. Sample Numbers will be unique, consecutive, and consist of the date,
sequence number, and technician initials (102401-01JT).

4\. Ensure that part 1 of the 2-part bar code label is applied onto the
sample vile and part 2 of the 2-part label is placed onto the
appropriate location on chain of custody.

5\. It is extremely important that a strict chain of custody is
maintained.

6\. All samples from a single site should be placed in a single air
tight-container/plastic bag for submission for analysis.

7\. All samples, along with copies of data sheets shall be delivered at
the end of the shift to the GSA Command Center located at:

8\. All samples shall be sent following the attached packaging guideline
from CDC for the shipment of diagnostic specimens.

**MINIMUM PACKING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SHIPMENT OF DIAGNOSTIC
SPECIMANS**