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HelpTest Code LAB3953 Enteric Bacterial Panel
Infectious
Methodology
This is a molecular panel that includes the identification of the following pathogens:
Salmonella app., Shigella spp./Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC), Campylobactor spp. (jejuni and coli), Shiga toxin-producing organisms (STEC, Shigella dysenteriae), Yersina enterocolitica, Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (EIEC), Vibrio spp. (vulnificus, parahaemolyticus, cholerae), Plesiomonas shigelloides.
If the order is for Vancomycin Resistant Entercoccus Screen, DO NOT ORDER THIS TEST. See Culture, Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) screen (VRSC).
Performing Laboratory and Testing Schedule
TidalHealth Peninsula Regional - Microbiology.
Samples arriving in the laboratory by 7am will be completed that day.
Schedule is subject to change based on holidays, instrumentation issues and reagent availability.
Specimen Requirements
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.
3. Label container with patient's name (first and last), date and time of colection, type of specimen, and collector's initials.
4. Specimen can be stored for up to 5 days at 2-8°C or for up to24 hours at 2-25°C before testing.
5. It is recommended to refrigerate the specimen after collection and immediately send the specimen refrigerated in case an enteric pathogen needs to be recovered for epidemiology investigation.
6. Samples may be rejected for the following reasons: Improperly labeled, specimen in a leaky container, specimen received outside of collection time requirements, or specimen collected in diaper.
Note
1. Do not order this test on immunocompetent inpatients that have been hospitalized for 3 days.
2. Consider C.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.