Test Detail

 

/page/title
Vibrio Culture Back to Test Directory
Test Description
  • Contact: Reference Microbiology (319) 335-4335
  • Test Request Form: Bacteriology
  • SHL OpenELIS Code: 676
Bacterial culture and identification of Vibrio species. Please call the lab at 319/335-4335 in advance.
Performed Avg. Turnaround Time Method
Coralville, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F
 2 - 5 business days Bacterial Culture
Fee CPT Code(s)
$17.90 87046
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type: Stool specimen or rectal swabs in enteric transport media (Cary-Blair) or a pure culture of Vibrio species.
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.

Formed or semi-formed stool: Using the spork built into the lid, add approximately three spoonfuls of firm stool, or five spoonfuls of soft stool to the vial until the liquid reaches the red "fill line". Any blood or mucous should be included.
    Liquid stool: Pour the stool into the vial up to the red fill line.
      Rectal swabs: Insert the swabs into the transport media and break or cut the sticks so that the vial cap may be securely closed.
        Bacterial isolate specimen: Actively growing culture on suitable medium.
          Tighten the vial cap completely. A leaking specimen may be unsuitable for testing. Clean the outside of the vial with rubbing alcohol or soap and water if they are soiled. Make sure the patient name and date of collection are still readable. Wrap the specimen in absorbent material and place into a biohazard bag.

          Wash hands thoroughly.
          Temperature and Stability: Room Temperature (Preferred); stable for 72 hours. Refrigerated (2-8°C); stable for 96 hours.
          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: No Vibrio species isolated, Vibrio species identification.
          Shipping Instructions
          Call the lab at 319/335-4335 before submitting. Wrap specimen container in absorbent material and place inside a biohazard bag. Place the bag into the styrofoam container, then into the cardboard mailer provided by SHL. Transport to the laboratory. Ship to the Coralville location.
          Comments
          Diagnose Vibrio-associated diarrhea in patients with appropriate exposure history or risk factors. Infections cause tremendous water loss causing dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Call the lab at 319/335-4335 before submitting.
          Alternate Names
          Culture Vibrio, Enteric pathogens, Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio culture