Shiga Toxins, EIA with Reflex to E. coli O157, Culture

Test Code

30264

CPT Codes
87427

Includes

If Shiga Toxin, EIA is Detected, then Escherichia coli O157, Culture will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87046).

Preferred Specimen

Stool collected in Cary-Blair or C&S transport medium

Minimum Volume

1 g/1 mL or 40mm diameter

Other Acceptable Specimens

Unpreserved stool collected in a clean, dry container

Instructions

Collect in clean, dry container and then transfer a minimum of 1 gram or 1 mL into a Cary-Blair stool culture transport medium or C&S transport medium. Fluid level should reach line on vial.

Transport Temperature

Cary-Blair and C&S: Room temperature
Unpreserved: Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Cary-Blair or C&S
Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 14 days

Unpreserved stool
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 14 days

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

Specimens in 10% formalin or other fixatives

Methodology
Immunoassay with Culture Reflex

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon, Wed, Fri; Report available: 4 days

Limitations

False-positives occur in patients infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Reference Range

See Laboratory Report

Clinical Significance

STEC cause foodborne and waterborne diarrheal disease worldwide which, if left undiagnosed, can progress to hemorrhagic colitis and/or hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Since certain treatments and medications can increase the risk of HUS, prompt detection is necessary to prevent outbreaks and secondary transmission. STEC produce either one or both Shiga toxins (Stx1 and/or Stx2), both potent cytotoxins. By detecting the toxins, an EIA can detect STEC present in fecal samples or culture, regardless of the serotype or other virulence factors.

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.