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JAMA. 2002;287:184.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

MMWR. 2001;50:1087

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.

Rapid-assay devices that can provide results within minutes are used for onsite detection of environmental contamination. Some of these devices are PCR-based assays, and others are immune-based assays for B. anthracis. CDC has not obtained validation data for rapid-assay devices. A recent CDC evaluation of B. anthracis contamination at the Brentwood postal facility in . . . [Full Text of this Article]