Gastrointestinal pathogen PCR panel

TEST DESCRIPTION

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panel that detects 22 viruses, bacteria, and parasites that cause diarrhea. The molecular amplification method is a multiplex, nested PCR test with duplicate microarray targets. Pathogens detected by the panel are:

Methodology

Microarray PCR

Reference range

Not detected for each pathogen

TEST FREQUENCY & RESULT AVAILABILITY

Performed daily. Results are typically available within one business day after specimen receipt.

ACCEPTABLE SPECIMEN TYPES AND COLLECTION

• Preferred: Stool in Cary Blair medium, consisting of walnut-sized (ping pong ball) amount reaching the red fill line of the vial.
• Stool in a sterile container: walnut-sized (ping pong ball) amount.
  1. Time restrictions apply. 
• Detailed collection instructions appear below

SPECIMEN STORAGE

Stool in Cary Blair medium: Store refrigerated or at room temperature (2–25 °C/36–77 °F) for up to 4 days.

Stool in sterile container: Store at room temperature or refrigerated (2–30 °C/36–86 °F) for up to 2 hours.

SPECIMEN TRANSPORT

Shipping conditions should follow the temperature and time requirements outlined above.

REJECTION CRITERIA

• Holding time greater than 4 days if in Cary Blair medium
• Holding time greater than 2 hours if in sterile container
• Specimen container not labeled 
• Specimen container has leaked or is not sealed properly 
• Sample volume is not at the red fill line on the container

CODES

CPT: 87507

LOINC: 82195-9

Test code: 6500

TEST FEE

Refer to the current fee schedule.

DETAILED SPECIMEN COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

For best results, stool specimens should be obtained during the acute phase of illness.

1. Lift the toilet seat and place the white stool collection device at the rear of the toilet bowl; lower the seat.
2. Pass the stool into the white stool collection device.
3. Collect stool from areas that appear bloody, slimy, or watery. If firm, collect from both ends and middle. 
   1. Using the scoop built into the cap, transfer enough stool to the vial to reach the red fill line of the Cary Blair medium, do not overfill.
   2. Mix the vial contents with the scoop; carefully tighten the cap and shake until contents are well mixed.
   3. Label the vial (name, collection date/time) and place inside the inner specimen bag and seal tightly.
4. Place the bagged yellow vial inside the zippered portion of the biohazard specimen bag and seal tightly. 
5. Fill out the requisition form completely. Fold it in half once and place in the outer pocket of the biohazard specimen bag (not inside the zippered pouch with the specimen).
6. Transport at room or refrigerated temperature.