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Test Code EPPCR Stool Enteric Pathogen PCR

Performing Laboratory

CCHS-Christiana Care Health Services

Methodology

The Verigene (R) Enteric Pathogen (EP) test is a rapid multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test that detects community-acquired pathogenic enteric bacteria, viruses and genetic virulence markers from a stool sample.  It will detect nucleic acid genes for Campylobacter group, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Vibrio group, Yersinia enterocolitica, Norovirus (GI and GII), Rotavirus A and Shiga Toxins 1 and 2.

Specimen Requirements

Test will be performed on one liquid or loose stool specimen per inpatient within 4 days of hospitalization.

 

Specimen should be delivered to laboratory within 1 hour of collection.  If the stool is in Cary Blair transport medium, transport to lab within 48 hours.

 

Container/Tube:  Screw-capped, sterile container or Cary Blair transport medium.

Specimen:  5 mL or 1 g (walnut size portion) fresh liquid or soft stool.  Solid stool is not acceptable.

Collection Instructions:

Label container with patient’s full name and 1 additional unique patient identifier such as date of birth, medical record number, emergency ID number, date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.

Reference Values

Negative

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Routine Turnaround Time

4 hours