Additional Info:
If indicated, further testing considered medically appropriate will be reflexed, resulting in additional charges.
Useful For:
Salmonella/Shigella Cult, Campy EIA, and Shiga Toxin reflex E.coli O157 Cult – Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter are considered pathogens when isolated from clinical specimens. Identification of these organisms is important for treatment and infection control. The Shiga toxin assay detects toxins produced by enterohemorrhagic E. coli and other enteric organisms which have been isolated from patients who have hemorrhagic colitis with or without hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS).
Methodology: Multiple methodologies
Specimen Requirements: Collect specimen as follows:
The collection kit contains three vials and instructions. Collect the stool specimen in a wide mouth container, bedpan, plastic “hat”, or plastic bag placed over the toilet.
Do not pass the specimen into the toilet or directly into collection vials.
Do not mix urine or water with the sample.
Open the vial carefully. Using the collection spoon attached to the cap, transfer enough stool into the container until the liquid in the container comes up to the black arrow on the label. Fill only one vial at a time and replace the cap onto the same vial when done. Mix well by shaking vigorously after capping. If you are filling the empty vial, fill to one half full with stool specimen. Wash hands thoroughly.
Label specimen with your name and date and time of collection. We cannot accept unlabeled specimens. Make sure vials are closed tightly. Place the vials in the original package. Keep refrigerated and bring back to the laboratory as soon as possible within 24 hours of collection.
*If your physician has ordered a series, for example you are to collect 3 different specimens; you need to collect specimens from 3 separate bowel movements or days.
For a Stool Culture use the Green top container.
For a Crypto/Giardia or an O&P (travel history required) use the yellow container.
For a C diff, VRE, Rotavirus, or a Fecal Lactoferrin use the white (plain) container.
If not all vials are needed/tests not requested return the vials to the laboratory.
If unable to obtain an adequate volume of stool for all containers, place in the white cap vial, refrigerate and bring to the laboratory as soon as possible <24hrs.
BABIES
Specimens in diapers are not acceptable. The stool material should be scraped into a screw-capped container supplied by Meadville Medical Center Laboratory.
Pediatric patients with severe diarrhea may use a U-bag collection system. Place the bag over the anal area in an attempt to retrieve the specimen before it soaks into the diaper.
Analytical Time:
Preliminary report: 1 day Final Report: Negative: 3 days Positive: results are called as identified
Days Set Up: Monday through Sunday
CPT Information:
87449 – Campylobacter Antigen
87427 – Shiga Toxin
87045 – Stool Culture for aerobic isolation