Use of onsite technologies for rapidly assessing environmental Bacillus anthracis contamination on surfaces in buildings.

Environmental sampling to ascertain the presence of Bacillus anthracis spores in buildings is an important tool for assessing risk for exposure. Similar to diagnostic testing, culture with positive identification of B. anthracis (CDC culture method) is the confirmatory test. Laboratory-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods for detecting genetic material of B. anthracis can be used in preliminary assessments and as adjuncts to microbiologic methods. Although these tests are consistent with culture results, PCR methods are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and results should not be the basis for clinical decisions.