Ricin Toxin

Testing site      

Alaska State Public Health Laboratory – Anchorage 

Anchorage Lab Request Form 

Diseases 

Ricin poisoning 

Agents 

Toxin from Ricinus communis (castor bean plant) 

Test Method 

Immunoassay 

Availability

1. All clients must consult with the Section of Epidemiology for approval before testing.  
2. If approved by Epidemiology, Contact ASPHL Biothreat Team before submitting samples.  

Specimen type 

Environmental samples 

Specimen collection instructions 

Collection guidance is provided on a case-by-case basis.  Please consult the Section of Epidemiology for further instruction. 

Storage and transport  

• Store refrigerated 
• Ship with cool packs 
• Ambient temperature shipping is acceptable 
• Package, label, and ship as UN3373 Biological Substance, Category B 

With approval, ship to: Anchorage Public Health Laboratory, ATNN: Special Pathogens Unit. 

Results  

• Ricin Toxin: Not Detected/Detected  
• Ricin communis DNA: Not Detected/Detected 

A normal result is not detected. 

Turnaround time  

2-4 days 

Resources