E. coli shiga toxin-producing isolate, confirmation

TEST DESCRIPTION

Isolation and characterization of shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) from solid or broth media. An immunoassay will also be performed to confirm the presence of shiga toxin. If a pathogen or shiga toxin is confirmed, further reference level testing may be performed for surveillance purposes.

Methodology

Organism-specific culture

Reference range

No shiga toxins detected

TEST FREQUENCY & RESULT AVAILABILITY

Performed daily. Results are typically available within 2 days after specimen receipt.

ACCEPTABLE SPECIMEN TYPES AND COLLECTION

Preferred: Bacterial isolate submitted on solid media
Stool in broth culture (e.g., GN or MacConkey broth after incubation for 16–24 hours)

SPECIMEN STORAGE & TRANSPORT

Bacterial isolate: Store and transport refrigerated or at room temperature (2–30 °C/36–86 °F).

Stool in broth culture: Store and transport refrigerated (2–8 °C/36–46 °F) for up to 14 days.

REJECTION CRITERIA

Bacterial isolates or broth cultures that are non-viable
Samples that arrive in containers that are damaged during transit or are not properly labeled with patient identifiers

CODES

CPT: 87070

LOINC: 16835-1

Test code: 2080

TEST FEE

No charge