Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel, Real-Time PCR

Test Code

LAB220107

Quest Code

38470

CPT Codes
87506

Includes

Campylobacter Group
Salmonella Species
Shigella Species
Vibrio Group
Yersinia enterocolitica
Shiga toxin 1
Shiga toxin 2
Norovirus GI/GII
Rotavirus A

Preferred Specimen

5 mL liquid or soft stool collected in Cary-Blair stool culture transport medium

Patient Preparation
Patient should not use antacids, barium, bismuth, antibiotics, anti-malarial agents, antidiarrheal medication or oily laxatives prior to specimen collection. After administration of any of these compounds, specimen collection should be delayed for 5 to 10 days or at least two weeks after barium or antibiotics.

Instructions

Avoid contamination of stool specimen with urine or water. Specimens are best collected in a bedpan or a clean dry container. A suitable area (i.e., bloody, slimy, watery) from the sides, ends and middle of the stool should be selected using the collection spoon provided. Fill with sufficient stool to bring the liquid level up to the "Fill" line. This will result in approximately 5 mL of sample. Stir each specimen with the spoon provided, tighten the cap and shake firmly until the specimen is adequately mixed. When mixing is complete, the specimen should appear uniform. Complete the label on the vial and place the vial in the plastic bag. Transport the specimen to the laboratory.

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: Unacceptable

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Stool in Cary-Blair stool culture transport medium not filled to the pre-marked "Fill" line • Unpreserved (raw) stool at any temperature • Stool in non-Cary-Blair stool culture transport medium • Frozen specimens in Cary-Blair stool culture transport medium

Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: 2-3 days

Reference Range

Campylobacter Group	Not detected
Salmonella Species	Not detected
Shigella Species	Not detected
Vibrio Group	Not detected
Yersinia enterocolitica	Not detected
Shiga toxin 1	Not detected
Shiga toxin 2	Not detected
Norovirus GI/GII	Not detected
Rotavirus A	Not detected

Clinical Significance

Acute diarrhea caused by bacterial and viral infection represents a significant worldwide healthcare burden. The Verigene® Enteric Pathogens Nucleic Acid Test (EP) is a multiplexed, qualitative test for simultaneous detection and identification of common pathogenic enteric bacteria, viruses, and genetic virulence markers from liquid or soft stool preserved in Cary-Blair medium, collected from individuals with signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal infection. The test is indicated as an aid in the diagnosis of specific agents of gastrointestinal illness, in conjunction with other clinical, laboratory, and epidemiological information; however, is not to be used to monitor these infections. The test also aids in the detection and identification of acute gastroenteritis in the context of outbreaks.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Chantilly Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Dr.
Chantilly, VA 20153-0841

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.