COLUMBUS — The city's main post office was checked for anthrax on Friday, the first of four distribution centers in Ohio to be examined as part of a random, nationwide test of postal facilities.

        “We have no reason to believe anything will be found,” said Melody Rurik, a spokeswoman for the Columbus post office. “It is strictly a precaution.”

        Test results are expected next week.

        Distribution operations in Cincinnati, Dayton and Cleveland also will be checked. No date has been set for the testing.

        Contractors took 32 samples from a variety of spots in Columbus, including equipment, air vents and cases where mail is sorted. The office handles mail for central, eastern and southeastern Ohio.

        Ms. Rurik said there was no disruption in service.

        The Columbus operation has had several suspicious packages, letters and substances that have been tested for anthrax. The substances have included pancake mix, talcum powder and chalk dust.

        Postal authorities have picked 259 facilities across the country to check after anthrax killed two mail workers and infected at least six others.

        “Everything changed when those two employees died,” Bonni Manies, spokeswoman for the post office in Cincinnati, said Friday.

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