Muscular Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.

A false positive result for blood on the reagent strip can occur when oxidizing contaminants, such as hypochlorite (bleach), remain in collection bottles after cleaning. Contamination of the urine with provodine-iodine, a strong oxidizing agent, used in surgical procedures can result in a false positive reaction. Microbial peroxide found in association with urinary tract infections may also cause false-positive results. Capoten® (Captopril) can cause decreased reactivity. The muscle tissue form of hemoglobin, myoglobin is a well-known cause of false-positive reactions on the blood portion of the reagent strip. When tissue hemoglobin is present, the urine specimen has a clear red appearance. Patients suffering from muscle-wasting disorders or muscular destruction due to trauma, prolonged coma, or convulsions or individuals engaging in extensive exertion may have myoglobin in their urine. Specific tests for myoglobin, such as immunodiffusion techniques or protein electrophoresis, are needed to confirm the presence of this substance in a urine specimen. Levels of ascorbic acid normally found in urine do not interfere with this test.

Most likely means of dissemination: Aerosol (eating contaminated food)Primary route of entry: Inhalation (oral)General signs and symptoms: Difficulty with speaking, swallowing, or blurred or double vision, drooping eyelids (ptosis), dilated pupils, dry mouth, decreased gag reflex, weakening of the reflexes (hyporeflexia), abnormal sensations such as numbness, prickling, tingling, and arm or leg weakness.Botulism is caused by a neurotoxin and technically could be classified as a chemical WMD. For our discussion it is placed under biological agents because the toxin is derived from a bacterium. Botulism is potentially life-threatening, producing a characteristic clinical picture of muscular paralysis leading to respiratory failure.                Photo courtesy of the CDC archives.    

Direct contact with electrical current can cause sustained muscular contraction that may prevent the victim from releasing the electrical source. Shut off the electrical current if it can be done safely by unplugging the cord or turning off the main power switch. Merely turning off an instrument or appliance will not always stop the flow of electricity.If the current cannot be turned off, a non-conductive material such as a broom, chair, rug, or rubber mat can be used to push the victim away from the source of the current. Don't use a wet or metal object, and do not touch the victim with your bare hands. Verify that the object that is used does not have a metal core. As an extra precaution, stand on something dry and non-conducting such as a mat or stack of paper while attempting to free the victim from the electrical current. Call a physician immediately. Lower the victim's head to slightly lower than the trunk of the body, and elevate the legs. Cover the victim with a blanket or coat. Begin CPR if the victim's breathing and/or pulse has stopped or seems dangerously slow or shallow.