4. When is a nasal swab indicated?Nasal swabs and screening may assist in epidemiologic investigations, but should not be relied upon as a guide for prophylaxis or treatment.
5. Is there an X-ray for detecting anthrax?A chest X-ray can be used to help diagnose inhalation anthrax in people who have symptoms. It is not useful as a test for determining anthrax exposure or for people with no symptoms.
6. Can the presence of Bacillus anthracis spores be detected by a characteristic appearance, odor, or taste?Bacillus anthracis spores do not have a characteristic appearance (e.g., color), smell, or taste. Spores themselves are too small to be seen by the naked eye.
7. Can a screening test be done to find out whether an individual has been exposed to anthrax?There is no screening test for anthrax; there is no test that a doctor can do that says that an individual has been exposed to or carry it.