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Epic Code LAB3618 Enteric Pathogens by PCR

Important Note

Stool specimen must be placed in Cary Blair Media immediately after collection, up to the fill line (approximately 5 mLs of LIQUID stool).

Test Name Alias

Enteric Pathogens by PCR | Stool Culture | 7122 | GI Panel PCR

Interface Order Alias

55078

Clinical Information

The qualitative nucleic acid test (utilizing reverse transcriptase PCR) detects genetic markers of common community-acquired pathogenic enteric bacteria, viruses from a stool sample, two to three days faster than current methods:

Icons & Photos

Note: All 3 vials of the stool kit should be filled to their line, do not overfill. 

Cary Blair Vial of the Stool Specimen Kit. (Contains Cary Blair Medium, pink liquid)

 

 

Always READ LABELS as container colors may differ based on manufacturer.

Collection Instructions

Specimen Type: Preserved Stool

Container/Tube: Cary-Blair Medium

Volume: Fill container to volume indicated on vial

Collection Instructions:

  • Collect liquid or soft stool preserved in Cary-Blair medium by using the manufacturer's recommended collection procedure to fill to the line indicated halfway up on the container.
  • Note: This panel may not be utilized as a test of cure and repeat testing will not be performed on samples collected <7 days apart.
  • Note: For small sample volume, remove some of the media and then add stool, trying to maintain the 1 to 3 ratio of stool to media. Make an order note in the Laboratory Information System that media was poured out before the sample was added.
  • Note: All 3 vials of the stool kit should be filled to their line, do not overfill. 

Specimen Transport Temperature: Ambient

Lab Staff Instructions

  • Cary-Blair preserved specimens to be stored refrigerated at 2 - 8°C until testing is completed (for up to 48 hours after collection)

Specimen Stability

Ambient: 48 hours

Refrigerate: 48 hours

Frozen: do not freeze

Laboratory Retention: 3 days

Test Frequency

The test is performed first and second shift at SHRL. Turn around time: 24 hours upon receipt in laboratory

Reference Range

Detects genetic markers of the following:
• Campylobacter Group (composed of C. coli, C. jejuni, and C. lari)
• Salmonella species
• Shigella species (including S. dysenteriae, S. boydii, S. sonnei, and S. flexneri)
• Vibrio Group (composed of V. cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus)
• Yersinia enterocolitica
• Norovirus GI/GII
• Rotavirus A


In addition, EP detects the Shiga toxin 1 gene and Shiga toxin 2 gene virulence markers. Shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC) typically harbor one or both genes that encode for Shiga toxins 1 and 2.

 

If Aeromonas is a concern, call the Microbiology laboratory ahead of tme at 616-267-2640 and order Microbiology organism identification reference [LAB4003] in conjuction with ordering the Enteric pathogen panel.

Performing Department

Microbiology

Performing Department Laboratory Location

Corewell Health Reference Laboratory, Grand Rapids, MI

Methodology

The qualitative nucleic acid test (utilizing reverse transcriptase PCR) to detect genetic markers.

CPT

87506

CDM Code

3068750601

Epic Test ID

123001714

LOINC

Not available

Mayo Access Code

SHO55078

Additional Information

  • Policy Tech: 20065
  • Enteric Pathogen Panel replaces stool culture

Reviewed Date

9/7/2023