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Additional Codes
CPT Code: 87045
Methodology
Includes isolation and identification of enteric pathogens (campylobacter, salmonella, shigella, and yersinia).
Also includes identification of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli strains. If order is for vancomycin-resistant enterococcus culture screen, do not order this test. See Culture, Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) Screen (VRSC).
Performing Laboratory and Testing Schedule
Peninsula Regional Medical Center - Microbiology
EHEC testing is performed Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Specimens must arrive by 1030pm the day prior to testing for EHEC testing.
Schedule is subject to change based on holidays, instrumentation issues, and reagent availability.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen must arrive within 24 hours of collection.
1. To rule out bacterial pathogens, collect and submit 1 stool specimen each day for 2 days.
2. Submit stool specimen in a screw-capped container or in plastic carton. (Improperly labeled specimen, specimen in non-sterile or leaky container, specimen received >24 hours of collection, or specimen collected in diaper is not acceptable.)
3. Label container/carton with patient’s name (first and last), date and time of collection, type of specimen, and collector’s initials.
4. Refrigerate specimen immediately after collection, and send specimen refrigerated.
Note:
1. Specimen source is required.
2. Do not order this test on immunocompetent inpatients that have be hospitalized 3 days.
3. Consider Cl. Difficile (CDT) testing for all patients over 6 months of age with clinically significant diarrhea and a history of antibiotic exposure.
Reference Values
Critical value (automatic call-back): positive for salmonella or shigella