Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) stx DNA Screen | Back to Test Directory | ||||
Test Description |
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Nucleic acid amplification by PCR to detect the Shiga toxin-producing genes stx1 and stx2 from E. coli. | |||||
Reflex Test(s) | |||||
E. coli O157 and Other STEC by Bacterial Culture | |||||
Performed | Avg. Turnaround Time | Method | |||
Coralville, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F |
2 - 5 business days | Nucleic Acid Amplification by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) | |||
Fee | CPT Code(s) | ||||
$133.29 | 87798 x 2 | ||||
Specimen Requirements | |||||
Specimen Type: | Stool specimen or rectal swabs in enteric transport media (Cary-Blair). A Gram Negative Broth incubated 24 hours. Bacterial isolate specimen. | ||||
Patient Preparation: | The patient should be instructed not to take any antacids, oily laxatives, or anti-diarrheal medications unless prescribed by the physician. | ||||
Collection Instructions: |
Use an Enteric Transport Media (Cary-Blair) Vial, clearly labeled with two unique identifiers (patient's name and unique identifier) and the date of collection. ETM is buffered and normally appears red. If the liquid is yellow, an acidic shift has occurred and the vial should not be used. Pass the stool into a clean, dry, plastic disposable container or place a large plastic bag or kitchen wrap over the toilet seat to catch the specimen. DO NOT MIX URINE OR WATER WITH THE STOOL SPECIMEN. |
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Temperature and Stability: | Room Temperature; stable for 72 hours. Refrigerated (2-8°C); stable for 96 hours. GN Broth (incubated for 24 hours); stable for 7 days refrigerated. | ||||
Unacceptable Conditions: | Unpreserved stool, insufficient or overfilled transport media (ETM or Carey-Blair), > 3 days from time of collection or > 4 days if refrigerated, ETM samples that have turned yellow, samples that have leaked. | ||||
Expected Results: | stx1: Detected, Not Detected, Indeterminate, Equivocal. stx2: Detected, Not Detected, Indeterminate, Equivocal. | ||||
Shipping Instructions | |||||
Wrap specimen container in absorbent material and place inside a biohazard bag. Transport specimen overnight at room temperature. If transport to the laboratory cannot be accomplished within 24 hours, cool the specimen using ice packs. Do not freeze. Ship to the Coralville location. | |||||
Comments | |||||
This test will identify the presence of E. coli Shiga-like toxin DNA. However, it cannot determine specific strains of E. coli (e.g., E. coli O157:H7). | |||||
Alternate Names | |||||
Shiga toxin assay, Shiga-like toxin |