ASTM_E_2458_-_10.pdf

Designation:E245810Standard Practices forBulk Sample Collection and Swab Sample Collection ofVisible Powders Suspected of Being Biothreat Agents fromNonporous Surfaces1This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2458;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 These practices address collection of visible powdersthat are suspected biothreat agents from solid nonporoussurfaces using a bulk collection method,using a dry swab andlaminated card,followed by a swab sampling method using asterile moistened swab.Bulk powder samples are collected andpackaged in a manner that permits the maximum amount of thesample to be safely transported to a reference laboratory withinthe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)nationalLaboratory Response Network(LRN)2for confirmatory iden-tification and safe storage.If the source of the powder is a letteror small package,that item is also packaged in a manner thatpermits it to be safely transported to an LRN referencelaboratory.A sterile moistened swab may be used to collectresidual powder and may be used to conduct on-site biologicalassessments for the purpose of testing for biothreat agents.1.2 These practices are performed in coordination with theFederal Bureau of Investigation(FBI)as part of a riskassessment including hazard assessment and threat evaluationas recommended and clarified in Guide E2770.The decision toimplement these practices and collect a public safety samplewill be made by members of the response community of thejurisdiction assuming responsibility through coordination withthe FBI and the receiving LRN reference laboratory.1.3 Sample Collection Method A covers the bulk collectionand packaging of suspicious visible powders that are suspectedbiothreat agents from solid nonporous surfaces.All samplessuspected to be biothreat agents on nonporous surfaces shouldbe collected according to Sample Collection MethodAand sentto a LRN reference laboratory for confirmatory testing.1.4 Sample Collection Method B covers swab sampling ofresidual suspicious powders that are suspected biothreat agentsfrom solid nonporous surfaces.Swab samples can be used foron-site biological assessment;however results from on-sitebiological assessments are not definitive;confirmatory testingby the LRN reference laboratory is necessary to make publichealth decisions.1.5 These practices incorporate reference guidance forpackaging and transport of suspicious visible powders tocomply with all appropriate federal regulations regardingbiosafety and biosecurity.1.6 These practices should only be used to collect visiblesamples that are suspected biothreat agents and have been fieldscreened according to reference guidance for explosive hazard,radiological hazard,and other acute chemical hazards.1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded asstandard.The values given in parentheses are for informationonly.1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns associated with its use.It is the responsibilityof the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety andhealth practices and determine the applicability of regulatorylimitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:3E2770 Guide for Operational Guidelines for Initial Responseto a Suspected Biothreat AgentF2412 Test Methods for Foot ProtectionF2413 Specification for Performance Requirements for Pro-tective(Safety)Toe Cap Footwear2.2 Federal Government Regulations:418 USC 175 Prohibitions with respect to biological weaponsDOT 49 CFR,Parts 171-180 Hazardous Materials Regula-tions1These practices are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E54 onHomeland Security Applications and are the direct responsibility of SubcommitteeE54.01 on CBRNE Sensors and Detectors.Current edition approved Oct.1,2010.Published November 2010.Originallyapproved in 2006.Last previous edition approved in 2006 as E2458 06.DOI:10.1520/E2458-10.2The CDC Laboratory Response Network is the network responsible forhandling clinical specimens and environmental samples containing suspectedbiothreat agents.3For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.4Available from U.S.Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents,732 N.Capitol St.,NW,Mail Stop:SDE,Washington,DC 20401,and also availableonline from Occupational Safety and Health Administration(www.osha.gov).Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 DOT-49 CFR 172 Subpart H,Transportation TrainingDOT-49 CFR 173 General Requirements for Shipmentsand Packagin