FoodNet Variables List

FoodNet Variable List, 2016
(Site-transmitted variables)

Variable Name

Format

Length

Description

Answers (Legal Values)

Sent by Site or
Created at CDC

Comment

Category

Included in standard
data requests?

Site

Collect for all pathogens for
which culture-independent results
are available. Prior to 2011, called
'EiaClinic'.

2009-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Site

Collect for all pathogens for
which culture-independent results
are available.

2011-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Year(s) for which
variable is available

Stx1+;
Stx2+;
For possible E. coli cases: What was the result of specimen testing for Shiga toxin using
an antigen-based test (e.g.EIA or lateral flow) at a clinical laboratory?
1

AgClinic

Character

30

Stx1+ & Stx2+;
Positive Undifferentiated;
Negative;
Not Tested
For other pathogens: What was the result of specimen testing using an antigen-based test Positive;
Negative;
(e.g. EIA or lateral flow) at a clinical laboratory?
For possible Cryptosporidium cases, results from rapid card testing or EIA would be
Indeterminate;
entered here.
Not Tested

For possible E.coli cases: Name of antigen-based test used at clinical laboratory

2

AgClinicTestType

Character

100

For possible Cryptosporidium cases: Name of antigen-based test used at clinical
laboratory

Alere Shiga Toxin Quik Chek
Immunocard STAT! EHEC (Meridian);
Duopath Verotoxins (Merck);
Premier EHEC (Meridian);
ProSpecT STEC (Remel);
VTEC Screen (Denka Seiken);
Alere Giardia/Crypto Quik Chek
ImmunoCard STAT! Crypto/Giardia (Meridian);
XPect Cryptosporidium (Remel);
XPect Crypto/Giardia (Remel);
ColorPAC Crypto/Giardia (Becton Dickinson);
ProSpecT Cryptosporidium (Remel);
ProSpecT Crypto/Giardia (Remel);
Wampole EIA Cryptosporidium;
TechLab EIA Cryptosporidium;
Crypto CELISA (Cellabs);
Para-TECT Crypto Antigen 96 (Medical Chemical
Corporation);
Triage parasite panel (BioSite)
ProSpecT Campylobacter assay (Remel);

For possible Campylobacter cases: Name of antigen-based test used at clinical laboratory

PREMIER™ CAMPY assay (Meridian);
ImmunoCard STAT! CAMPY (Meridian);
Xpect Campylobacter assay (Remel);

For other pathogens: Name of antigen-based test used at clinical laboratory

Other;
Unknown

3

AgeMnth

Numeric

2

Age of case-patient in months if patient is <1yr

1-11

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Demographics

YES

4

AgeYr

Numeric

3

Age of case-patient in years

1-105

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Demographics

YES

Site

Collect for all pathogens for
which culture-independent results
are available. Prior to 2011, called
'EiaSphl'.

2009-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Site

Collect for all pathogens for
which culture-independent results
are available

2011-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

5

AgSphl

Character

30

Stx1+;
Stx2+;
For possible E. coli cases: What was the result of specimen testing for Shiga toxin using Stx1+ & Stx2+;
an antigen-based test (e.g.EIA or lateral flow) at a state public health laboratory?
Positive Undifferentiated;
Negative;
Not Tested
Positive
For other pathogens: What was the result of specimen testing using an antigen-based test
Negative
(e.g. EIA or lateral flow) at a state public health laboratory? For possible
Indeterminate
Cryptosporidium cases, results from rapid card testing or EIA would be entered here.
Not tested
Immunocard STAT! EHEC (Meridian);
Duopath Verotoxins (Merck);
For possible E.coli cases: Name of antigen-based test used at state public health
Premier EHEC (Meridian);
laboratory
ProSpecT STEC (Remel);
VTEC Screen (Denka Seiken);
ImmunoCard STAT! Crypto/Giardia (Meridian);
Xpect Cryptosporidium (Remel);
Xpect Crypto/Giardia (Remel);

6

AgSphlTestType

FINAL 6/22/2015

Character

100

For possible Cryptosporidium cases: Name of antigen-based test used at state public
health laboratory

ColorPAC Crypto/Giardia (Becton Dickinson);
ProSpecT Cryptosporidium (Remel);
ProSpecT Crypto/Giardia (Remel);
Wampole EIA Cryptosporidium;

FoodNet Variable List, 2016
(Site-transmitted variables)

Variable Name

Format

Length

Description

Answers (Legal Values)

Sent by Site or
Created at CDC

Comment

Year(s) for which
variable is available

Category

Included in standard
data requests?

are available.

TechLab EIA Cryptosporidium;
Crypto CELISA (Cellabs);
Para-TECT Crypto Antigen 96 (Medical Chemical
Corporation);
Triage parasite panel (BioSite)
ProSpecT Campylobacter assay (Remel);
For possible Campylobacter cases: Name of antigen-based test used at state public health PREMIER™ CAMPY assay (Meridian);
laboratory
ImmunoCard STAT! CAMPY (Meridian);
Xpect Campylobacter assay (Remel);
Other;
For other pathogens: Name of antigen-based test used at state public health laboratory
Unknown
7

Audit

Character

7

Was case found during an audit?

Yes; No

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Other

NO

1996-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

8

BioId

Character

10

Was the pathogen identified by culture?

Yes; No; Unknown; Not Tested

Site

Collect for all bacterial pathogens.
Prior to 2011, called 'StecBioId'.

9

BloodyDiarr

Character

10

Did the case-patient have bloody diarrhea (self reported) during this illness?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect actively for
Campylobacter ; passively for
other pathogens.

2011-current

Clinical Information

YES

10

CEA_Beef

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat beef or any foods containing beef?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

11

CEA_Beef_grnd

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any ground beef?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

12

CEA_Beef_out

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any beef made outside of home at a
business such as a restaurant, deli, fast food, take-out, or catered event?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella

2014-current

Exposure

YES

13

CEA_Beef_unckgrnd

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any ground beef that was undercooked
Yes; No; Unknown
or raw?

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

14

CEA_Berries

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any fresh (unfrozen) berries?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

15

CEA_Bird

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child have any contact with a bird, not including
Yes; No; Unknown
live poultry such as chickens or turkeys?

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

16

CEA_Cantaloupe

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any fresh cantaloupe?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

17

CEA_Cat

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child have any contact with a cat?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

18

CEA_Chicken

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat chicken or any foods containing
chicken?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

19

CEA_Chx_fresh

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any chicken at home that was bought
fresh (refrigerated)?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Campylobacter

2015-current

Exposure

YES

20

CEA_Chx_frozen

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any chicken at home that was bought
frozen?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Campylobacter

2015-current

Exposure

YES

21

CEA_Chx_grnd

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any ground chicken?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

22

CEA_Chx_out

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any chicken made outside of home at a
Yes; No; Unknown
business such as a restaurant, deli, fast food, take-out, or catered event?

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

23

CEA_Dairy

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat or drink any dairy products (e.g., milk,
Yes; No; Unknown
yogurt, cheese, ice cream, etc.)?

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

24

CEA_Dog

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child have any contact with a dog?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

25

CEA_Eggs

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any eggs?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

FINAL 6/22/2015

FoodNet Variable List, 2016
(Site-transmitted variables)
Sent by Site or
Created at CDC

Comment

Year(s) for which
variable is available

Category

Included in standard
data requests?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child visit, work, or live on farm, ranch, petting
Yes; No; Unknown
zoo, or other setting that has animals?

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any fish or fish products?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any fish or fish products that was raw
or undercooked (e.g., sushi, sashimi)?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child or anyone in your household handle raw
meat?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Campylobacter

2015-current

Exposure

YES

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child or anyone in your household handle raw
poultry?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Campylobacter

2015-current

Exposure

YES

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Campylobacter

2015-current

Exposure

YES

Variable Name

Format

Length

26

CEA_Eggs_out

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any eggs made outside of home at a
business such as a restaurant, deli, fast food, take-out, or catered event?

27

CEA_Eggs_unck

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any eggs that were runny or raw, or
uncooked foods made with raw eggs?

28

CEA_Farm_ranch

Character

29

CEA_Fish

30

CEA_Fish_unck

31
32

CEA_Handle_raw_meat
CEA_Handle_raw_poultry

Character
Character

Description

Answers (Legal Values)

33

CEA_Handle_raw_seafood

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child or anyone in your household handle raw
seafood?

34

CEA_Herbs

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any fresh (not dried) herbs (basil,
cilantro, parsley)?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

35

CEA_Lamb

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any lamb or mutton?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Campylobacter

2015-current

Exposure

YES

36

CEA_Lettuce

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any fresh, raw lettuce?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

37

CEA_Live_poultry

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child have any contact with any live poultry
(e.g., chickens, turkeys, hens, etc.)?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

38

CEA_Liver_pate

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any liver pate?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Campylobacter

2015-current

Exposure

YES

39

CEA_Liver_raw

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any raw or undercooked liver?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Campylobacter

2015-current

Exposure

YES

40

CEA_Milk_pasteurized

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child have any pasteurized cow's or goat's milk? Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Campylobacter

2015-current

Exposure

YES

41

CEA_Milk_raw

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child drink any unpasteurized milk?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

42

CEA_Odairy_raw

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat or drink any other dairy products that
were raw or unpasteurized (e.g., yogurts and ice cream made from raw milk)?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

43

CEA_Ountreat_water

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child drink any water directly from a natural
spring, lake, pond, stream, or river?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

44

CEA_Pig

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child have any contact with any pigs?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

45

CEA_Pocketpet

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child have contact with any mammalian
household pet other than a dog or cat?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

46

CEA_Pork

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat pork or any foods containing pork?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

47

CEA_Raw_cider

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child drink any juice that was not pasteurized
and not from a concentrate (often bought from farms or orchards, but may be sold
commercially with a label saying it is unpasteurized and may contain bacteria)?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

48

CEA_Reptile_amphib

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child have any contact with a reptile or
amphibian (e.g., frog, snake, turtle, etc.)?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

49

CEA_Ruminants

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child have any contact with any cattle, goats, or
Yes; No; Unknown
sheep?

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

FINAL 6/22/2015

FoodNet Variable List, 2016
(Site-transmitted variables)
Sent by Site or
Created at CDC

Comment

Year(s) for which
variable is available

Category

Included in standard
data requests?

Yes; No

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2016-current

Exposure

NO

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any seafood (e.g., crab, shrimp,
oysters, clams, etc.)?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any seafood that was raw or
undercooked (e.g., raw oysters, clams, etc.)?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child reside in a home with a septic system?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

CEA_Sick_contact

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child have a household member or a close
contact with diarrhea?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

55

CEA_Sick_pet

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child have any contact with a pet that had
diarrhea?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

56

CEA_Softcheese

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any soft cheese (queso fresco, etc.)?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

57

CEA_Softcheese_raw

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any unpasteurized soft cheese (queso
fresco, etc)?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

58

CEA_Spinach

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any fresh (unfrozen), raw spinach?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

59

CEA_Sprouts

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any sprouts?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

60

CEA_Swim_treat

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child swim in, wade in, or enter a pool, hot
tub/spa, fountain, or waterpark with treated water (chlorinated, etc.)?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

61

CEA_Swim_untreat

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child swim in, wade in, or enter an ocean, lake,
Yes; No; Unknown
pond, river, stream, or natural spring?

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

62

CEA_Tomatoes

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any fresh, raw tomatoes?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

63

CEA_Turkey

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any turkey or any foods containing
turkey?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

64

CEA_Turkey_grnd

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any ground turkey?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

65

CEA_Turkey_out

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any turkey made outside of home at a
business such as a restaurant, deli, fast food, take-out, or catered event?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

66

CEA_Watermelon

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any fresh watermelon?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

67

CEA_Well_water

Character

10

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child use water from a private well as
[your/their] primary source of drinking water?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm );
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

68

County

Character

20

Case-patient's county of residence

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Demographics

YES

Site

Collect for Campylobacter cases

2011-current

Pathogen-specific
(Campylobacter )

YES

Site

Collect for Campylobacter cases

2011-current

Pathogen-specific
(Campylobacter )

YES

Variable Name

Format

Length

50

CEA_Sampled

Character

3

Denotes whether or not a case was chosen as part of a sampling scheme for CEA. Does
not denote eligibility or interview completion. Sites not using sampling schemes can
leave this variable blank.

51

CEA_Seafd

Character

10

52

CEA_Seafd_unck

Character

53

CEA_Sewer_water

54

69

CultCdc

Character

20

70

CultClinic

Character

20

FINAL 6/22/2015

Description

Answers (Legal Values)

Positive;
Negative;
What was the culture result at CDC? (Does not include confirmation of isolates received.) Unknown;
No bacterial growth;
Not tested
Positive;
Negative;
What was the culture result at a clinical lab?
Unknown;
No bacterial growth;

FoodNet Variable List, 2016
(Site-transmitted variables)

Variable Name

Format

Length

Description

Answers (Legal Values)
Not tested
Positive;
Negative;
Unknown;
No bacterial growth;
Not tested

Sent by Site or
Created at CDC

Comment

Year(s) for which
variable is available

Category

Included in standard
data requests?

Site

Collect for Campylobacter cases

2011-current

Pathogen-specific
(Campylobacter )

YES

Site

Collect actively for
Campylobacter cases; passively
for other pathogens.

2011-current

Clinical Information

YES

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Demographics

NO

71

CultSphl

Character

20

What was the culture result at a state public health lab? (Does not include confirmation
of isolates received.)

72

Diarrhea

Character

10

Did the case-patient have diarrhea (self-reported) during this illness?

73

DOB

Date

mmddyy10. Case patient's date of birth

Site
Site

Collect for hospitalized cases

1996-current

Hospitalization

YES

Site

Collect for hospitalized cases

2008-current

Hospitalization

YES

74

DtAdmit

Date

mmddyy10. Date of first hospital admission for this illness

75

DtAdmit2

Date

mmddyy10. Date of hospital admission for second hospitalization for this illness

Yes; No; Unknown

76

DtDisch

Date

mmddyy10. Date of first hospital discharge for this illness

Site

Collect for hospitalized cases

1996-current

Hospitalization

YES

77

DtDisch2

Date

mmddyy10. Date of hospital discharge for second hospitalization for this illness

Site

Collect for hospitalized cases

2008-current

Hospitalization

YES

78

DtEntered

Date

mmddyy10. Date case was entered into site's database

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Other

NO

79

DtOnset

Date

mmddyy10. Date that the case-patient’s symptoms first began for this illness

Site

Collect for all cases

2009-current

Clinical Information

YES

80

DtRcvd

Date

mmddyy10. Date case-pateint's specimen was received in laboratory for initial testing

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Lab Information

NO

81

DtRptComp

Date

mmddyy10. Date case report form was completed

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Other

NO

82

DtSpec

Date

mmddyy10. Case-patient's specimen collection date

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Lab Information

YES

83

DtUSDepart

Date

mmddyy10. If case-patient patient traveled internationally, date of departure from the U.S.

Site

Collect for cases that reported
international travel during
incubation period

2004-current

Travel

YES

84

DtUSReturn

Date

mmddyy10. If case-patient traveled internationally, date of return to the U.S.

Site

Collect for cases that reported
international travel during
incubation period

2004-current

Travel

YES

85

DxO157

Character

30

For possible E.coli cases: What was the result of specimen testing for O157 by EIA or
PCR at a clinical laboratory?

Site

Collect for E.coli cases

2014-current

Pathogen-specific
(E.coli)

YES

86

DxO157TestType

Character

100

Name of EIA or PCR test used

Site

Collect for E.coli cases

2014-current

Pathogen-specific
(E.coli)

YES

Site

Collect for cases that are part of a
recognized outbreak

2004-current

Outbreak

YES

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Demographics

YES

Collect actively for
Campylobacter ; passively for
other pathogens.

2011-current

Clinical Information

YES

Positive;
Negative;
Not tested
ImmunoCard STAT! O157 (Meridian)
Biofire FilmArray;
Diatherix;
Luminex;
Metametrix;
Other
1-999999;

87

EforsNum

Character

6

CDC FDOSS outbreak ID number

888888='multi-state outbreak with exposure in multiple states'
999999='multi-state outbreak with a single exposure outside of
the FoodNet catchment area'

88
89

Ethnicity
Fever

Character

1

Case-patient's ethnicity

H (Hispanic), N (Non-Hispanic), U (Unknown)

Character

10

Did the case-patient have fever (self-reported) during this illness?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

90

Hospital

Character

7

Was case-patient hospitalized within (+/-) 7 days of specimen collection?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Hospitalization

YES

91

HospTrans

Character

7

If case-patient was hospitalized, was s/he transferred to another hospital?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for hospitalized cases

1996-current

Hospitalization

YES

92

HUS

Character

7

Did case patient have a diagnosis of HUS?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for E.coli cases

2009-current

Clinical Information

YES

Site

Collect for all cases

2008-current

Travel

YES

93

7

Immigrate

Character

94

Interview

Character

7

95

LabName

Character

25

FINAL 6/22/2015

Did case-patient immigrate to the U.S.? (within 30 days of onset for Salmonella Typhi &
Listeria , 15 days for Cryptosporidum and Cyclospora , and 7 days for all other
Yes; No; Unknown
pathogens)
Was the case-patient interviewed by public health (i.e. state or local health department or
Yes; No; Unknown
FoodNet staff)?
Name of submitting laboratory

Site

Collect for all cases

2008-current

Other

YES

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Lab Information

NO

FoodNet Variable List, 2016
(Site-transmitted variables)

Variable Name

Format

Length

96

LabNum

Character

12

Local aliquot identification number

97

LocalID

Character

16

Case-patient's medical record number

For possible E.coli cases: What was the result of specimen testing for Shiga toxin using
another test at the CDC?
98

OtherCdcTest

Character

30
For other pathogens: What was the result of specimen testing using another test at CDC?
For possible Cryptosporidium cases, results from DFA, IFA or other tests would be
entered here.

For possible E.coli cases: What was the result of specimen testing for Shiga toxin using
another test at a clinical laboratory?
99

OtherClinicTest

Character

30
For other pathogens: What was the result of specimen testing using another test at a
clinical laboratory? For possible Cryptosporidium cases, results from DFA, IFA or other
tests would be entered here.

100

OtherClinicTestType

Character

100

Name of other test used at a clinical laboratory

For possible E.coli cases: What was the result of specimen testing for Shiga toxin using
another test at a state public health laboratory?
101

OtherSphlTest

Character

30
For other pathogens: What was the result of specimen testing using another test at a state
public health laboratory? For possible Cryptosporidium cases, results from DFA, IFA or
other tests would be entered here.

102

OtherSphlTestType

Character

100

Sent by Site or
Created at CDC

Comment

Year(s) for which
variable is available

Category

Included in standard
data requests?

Varies by state

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Lab Information

NO

Varies by state

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

ID Field

NO

Site

Collect for all pathogens for
which culture-independent results
are available.

2011-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Site

Collect for all pathogens for
which culture-independent results
are available.

2011-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Site

Collect for all pathogens for
which culture-independent results
are available.

2011-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Site

Collect for all pathogens for
which culture-independent results
are available.

2011-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Site

Collect for all pathogens for
which culture-independent results
are available.

2011-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Description

For possible Cryptosporidium cases: Name of other test used at a state public health
laboratory

For other pathogens: Name of other test used at a state public health laboratory

Answers (Legal Values)

Stx1+;
Stx2+;
Stx1+ & Stx2+;
Positive Undifferentiated;
Negative;
Not Tested
Positive
Negative
Indeterminate
Not tested
Stx1+;
Stx2+;
Stx1+ & Stx2+;
Positive Undifferentiated;
Negative;
Not Tested
Positive
Negative
Indeterminate
Not tested
PARA-TECT Crypto/Giardia DFA 75 (Medical Chemical
Corporation);
Merifluor DFA (Meridian);
Crypto CEL (Cellabs);
Crypto/Giardia CEL (Cellabs);
Wet mount;
Trichrome stain;
Modified acid-fast;
Other;
Unknown
Stx1+;
Stx2+;
Stx1+ & Stx2+;
Positive Undifferentiated;
Negative;
Not Tested
Positive
Negative
Indeterminate
Not tested
PARA-TECT Crypto/Giardia DFA 75 (Medical Chemical
Corporation);
Merifluor DFA (Meridian);
Crypto CEL (Cellabs);
Crypto/Giardia CEL (Cellabs);
Wet mount;
Trichrome stain;
Modified acid-fast;
Other;
Unknown
Other;
Unknown

103

Outbreak

Character

7

Was the case-patient part of a recognized outbreak?

Yes; No

Site

Collect for all cases

2004-current

Outbreak

YES

104

OutbrkStID

Character

30

State outbreak identification number

Varies by state

Site

Collect if case is part of a
recognized outbreak

2008-current

Outbreak

NO

Type of outbreak that the case-patient was part of

Foodborne; Waterborne; Animal contact; Person-to-person;
Environmental contamination other than food/water;
Indeterminate; Other; Unknown

Site

Collect if case is part of a
recognized outbreak

2008-current

Outbreak

YES

105

FINAL 6/22/2015

OutbrkType

Character

50

FoodNet Variable List, 2016
(Site-transmitted variables)

Variable Name

Format

Length

Outcome

Character

7

Case-patient's outcome (assessed for non-hospitalized cases within 7 days of specimen
collection date and hospitalized cases at hospital discharge)

35

Still pregnant;
Fetal death;
If Listeria case was pregnancy-associated, what was the outcome of the pregnancy? Note:
Induced abortion;
fetal death includes miscarriage or stillbirth; delivery is a live birth.
Delivery
Unknown;

106

107

OutFetal

Character

Description

Answers (Legal Values)

Alive; Dead; Unknown

Sent by Site or
Created at CDC

Comment

Year(s) for which
variable is available

Category

Included in standard
data requests?

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Clinical Information

YES

Site

Collect for Listeria cases

1996-current

Pathogen-specific
(Listeria)

YES

Site

Collect for all cases. Prior to
2011, called 'Isolate'.

1996-current

Lab Information

YES

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

ID field

NO

Site

Collect for all pathogens for
which culture-independent results
are available.

2009-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Site

Collect for all pathogens for
which culture-independent results
are available.

2010-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Site

Collect for all pathogens detected
by PCR in a clinical lab

2011-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Site

Collect for all pathogens for
which culture-independent results
are available.

2009-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Site

Collect for all pathogens detected
by PCR in a state public health lab

2015-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Campylobacter;
Cryptosporidium;

108

Pathogen

Character

25

Name of bacterial or parasitic pathogen identified from the case-patient’s specimen

109

PatID

Character

9

Unique ID for case-patient's infection

For possible E. coli cases: What was the result of specimen testing for Shiga toxin using
PCR at CDC?
110

PcrCdc

Character

30

For other pathogens: What was the result of specimen testing for diagnosis using PCR at
CDC? (Do not enter PCR results if PCR was performed for speciation or subtyping).

For possible E. coli cases: What was the result of specimen testing for Shiga toxin using
PCR at a clincal laboratory?
111

PcrClinic

Character

30

For other pathogens: What was the result of specimen testing using PCR at a clinical
laboratory? (where goal of testing is primary detection not subtyping or speciation)

112

PcrClinicTestType

Character

100

Name of PCR assay used at a clinical lab

For possible E. coli cases: What was the result of specimen testing for Shiga toxin using
PCR at a state public health laboratory?
113

PcrSphl

Character

30
For other pathogens: What was the result of specimen testing for diagnosis using PCR at
the state public health laboratory? (Do not enter PCR results if PCR was performed for
speciation or subtyping).

114

PcrSphlTestType

FINAL 6/22/2015

Character

100

Name of PCR assay used at a state public health lab

Cyclospora;
E. coli;
Listeria;
Salmonella;
Shigella;
Vibrio;
Yersinia;
Varies by state
Stx1+;
Stx2+;
Stx1+ & Stx2+;
Positive Undifferentiated;
Negative;
Not Tested
Positive;
Negative;
Not tested
Stx1+;
Stx2+;
Stx1+ & Stx2+;
Positive Undifferentiated;
Negative;
Not Tested
Positive;
Negative;
Not tested
Biofire FilmArray;
BD Max Enteric;
Diatherix;
Luminex;
ProGastroSSCS;
Medical diagnostics;
Metametrix
Nanosphere
Seegene
Staten Serum Institut PCR assay
Lab-developed test
Unknown
Stx1+;
Stx2+;
Stx1+ & Stx2+;
Positive Undifferentiated;
Negative;
Not Tested
Positive
Negative
Not tested
Biofire FilmArray;
BD Max Enteric;
Diatherix;
Luminex;
ProGastroSSCS;
Medical diagnostics;
Metametrix
Nanosphere
Seegene

FoodNet Variable List, 2016
(Site-transmitted variables)

Variable Name

Format

Length

Description

Answers (Legal Values)

Sent by Site or
Created at CDC

Comment

Year(s) for which
variable is available

Site

Collect for all cases

Category

Included in standard
data requests?

2008-current

ID field

NO
YES

YES

Staten Serum Institut PCR assay
Lab-developed test
Unknown
115

PersonID

116

Pregnant

Character
Character

30
7

Identification number for person or patient

Varies by state

Is this Listeria case pregnancy-associated?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for Listeria cases

1996-current

Pathogen-specific
(Listeria)

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Demographics

Race

Character

1

Case-patienty's race

A (Asian);
B (Black);
I (American Indian or Alaskan Native);
M (Multi-Racial);
O (Other);
P (Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian);
W (White);
U (Unknown)

118

ResultID

Character

30

Unique identifier for laboratory result

Varies by state

Site

Collect for all cases

2008-current

ID field

NO

119

RptComp

Character

7

Is all of the information for this case complete?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Other

YES

120

SalGroup

Character

2

Salmonella serogroup

See Kauffman White scheme

Site

Collect for Salmonella

1996-current

Subtyping Information

YES

121

SentCDC

Character

7

Was specimen or isolate forwarded to CDC for testing or confirmation?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for all cases

2009-current

Lab Information

YES

Site

Collect for Salmonella, Listeria,
Shigella, Vibrio, Yersinia

1996-current

Subtyping Information

NO

M (Male); F (Female); U (Unknown)
California – CDA2, CDA201, CDA20101, CDA20102,
CDA20103, CDA202, CDA203, CDA6;
Colorado – CDCO;
Connecticut – CDA5,
GA GOA – CDGE;
GA MSA – CDA1, CDA101;
Maryland - CDE1;
Minnesota –CDMN;
New Mexico – CDNM;
New York – CDNF;
Oregon – CDOR;
Tennessee – CDTN

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Demographics

YES

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

ID field

NO

Varies by state

Site

Collect for all cases for which the
isolate was sent to a state public
health lab

1996-current

Lab Information

NO

Site

Collect for Campylobacter and
Cryptosporidium cases

2010-current

Subtyping Information

NO

117

For Campylobacter and Cryptosporidium : n/a.
For Listeria : 1; 1/2a; 1/2b; 1/2c; 3a; 3b; 3c; 4; 4b; Untypeable;
Unknown
For Salmonella : See Kaufmann-White scheme
For Shigella : boydii; dysenteria;, flexneri; sonnei
122

SeroSite

Character

60

Serotype/species of pathogen submitted by site

For Vibrio : alginolyticus; cholerae; cincinnatiensis; damsela;
fluvialis; furnissii; harveyi; hollisae; metschnikovi; mimicus;
parahaemolyticus; vulnificus; Unknown
For Yersinia : ldovae; bercovieri;enterocolitica; frederiksenii;
intermedia; kristensenii; mollaretii; pseudotuberculosis;
rohdei; ruckeri; Unknown.

123

Sex

Character

1

Case-patient's sex

124

SiteID

Character

10

Site identification number

125

SLabsID

Character

30

State lab identification number

126

SpeciesClinic

Character

60

For Campylobacter or Cryptosporidium, what was the species result at clinical lab?

For Campylobacter : jejuni; jejuni subsp jejuni; jejuni subsp.
doylei; coli; ,lari; lari subsp. concheus; lari subsp. lari;
upsaliensis;,helveticus; fetus; fetus subsp fetus; fetus subsp
venerealis;hyointestinalis; hyointestinalis subsp.
hyointestinalis; hyointestinalis subsp. lawsonii; sputorum;
sputorum bv sputorum; sputorum bv paraureolyticus;
lanienae; mucosalis;insulaenigrae; concisus; curvus; rectus;
showae;gracilis; canadenesis; peloridis;avium; cuniculorum;
hominis; Unknown; Not tested.
For Cryptosporidium : canis; felis; hominis; meleagridis;
muris; parvum ; Unknown; Not Tested.

FINAL 6/22/2015

FoodNet Variable List, 2016
(Site-transmitted variables)

Variable Name

127

128

SpeciesSphl

Format

Character

Answers (Legal Values)

Sent by Site or
Created at CDC

Comment

For Campylobacter or Cryptosporidium , what was the species result at SPHL?

For Campylobacter: jejuni; jejuni subsp jejuni; jejuni subsp.
doylei; coli; ,lari; lari subsp. concheus; lari subsp. lari;
upsaliensis;,helveticus; fetus; fetus subsp fetus; fetus subsp
venerealis;hyointestinalis; hyointestinalis subsp.
hyointestinalis; hyointestinalis subsp. lawsonii; sputorum;
sputorum bv sputorum; sputorum bv paraureolyticus;
lanienae; mucosalis;insulaenigrae;concisus; curvus; rectus;
showae;gracilis; canadenesis; peloridis;avium; cuniculorum;
hominis ; Unknown; Not tested.
For
Cryptosporidium : canis; felis; hominis; meleagridis; muris;
parvum; Unknown; Not Tested.

Site

30

Case patient's specimen collection source

Abscess;
Amniotic fluid;
Blood;
Bone;
CSF;
Ear;
Gall bladder;
Genitals;
Joint;
Lung;
Peritoneal fluid;
Placenta;
Rectal swab;
Sputum;
Stool;
Urine;
Wound;
Unknown

Site

Length

60

Description

Year(s) for which
variable is available

Category

Included in standard
data requests?

Collect for Campylobacter or
Cryptosporidium cases

2010-current

Subtyping Information

NO

Collect for all cases. If specimen
source is something other than
listed in legal values, please
specify. Do not code as 'other'.

1996-current

Lab Information

NO

SpecSite

Character

129

State

Character

2

Case patient's state of residence

CA; CO; CT; GA; MD; MN; NM; NY; OR; TN

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Demographics

YES

130

StecH7

Character

20

If E. coli , was it H7 antigen positive?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for E.coli cases

1996-current

Pathogen-specific
(E.coli)

NO

131

StecHAg

Character

3

If E. coli , what was the H-antigen number?

1-99

Site

Collect for E.coli cases

1996-current

Pathogen-specific
(E.coli)

NO
NO

132

StecNM

Character

7

If E. coli , was the isolate non-motile?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for E.coli cases

1996-current

Pathogen-specific
(E.coli)

133

StecO157

Character

20

If E. coli , was it O157 positive?

Yes; No; Unknown; Not Tested

Site

Collect for E.coli cases

1996-current

Pathogen-specific
(E.coli)

NO

Site

Collect for E.coli cases

1996-current

Pathogen-specific
(E.coli)

NO

Site

Collect for E.coli cases

1996-current

Pathogen-specific
(E.coli)

NO

134

StecOAg

Character

3

If E. coli, what was the O-antigen number?

1-999
‘555'=not O157, O antigen pending or at CDC
’666'=not O157, O antigen unknown
‘777'=O antigen undetermined
'999'=O antigen rough

135

StecStx

Character

40

Was E. coli Shiga toxin-producing?

136

StLabRcvd

Character

7

Was the isolate sent to a state public health laboratory? (Answer 'Yes' if it was sent to any
Yes; No; Unknown
state lab, even if it was sent to a lab outside of the case's state of residence)

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Lab Information

YES

137

TravelDest

Text Field

70

If case-patient traveled internationally, to where did they travel?

Site

Collect for cases that reported
international travel during
incubation period

2004-current

Travel

YES

138

TravelInt

Character

7

Did the case patient travel internationally? (within 30 days of onset for Salmonella Typhi
& Listeria , 15 days for Cryptosporidum and Cyclospora , and 7 days for all other
Yes; No; Unknown
pathogens)

Site

Collect for all cases

2004-current

Travel

YES

139

Zipcode

Character

10

Case-patient's zipcode

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Demographics

NO

FINAL 6/22/2015

Yes; No; Unknown; Not Tested

List country, or countries, visited

5 digit zipcode; 5 digit plus 4, if available.