Because botulism is such a serious disease, reported cases are quickly investigated. The most commonly used method for detecting C. botulinum toxin in clinical specimens is to inject mice with a suspected patient’s serum or stool and look for signs of botulism.
APHL works to ensure that each state public health laboratory has the equipment, facilities, and proper training to perform testing for C. botulinum toxins and C. botulinum bacteria.
Detection of toxins in foodstuffs is crucial in linking a patient to a particular food source. APHL provides laboratory training on new rapid methodologies for C. botulinum toxin testing in food as well.