Stool Pathogens by PCR

Message
Studies have shown that the efficacy of recovering enteric pathogens in stool specimens from hospitalized patients 3 days after admission is extremely low. Thus the standard of practice is to reject those specimens. If this is an exceptional case please contact the Microbiology Department 970-820-4156. 


Test Code
STPCR - MM MMC


CPT Codes
87505, 87186 - MIC, per organism (if appropriate)

Includes
Campylobacter Group composed of C. coli, C. jejuni, and C. lari)
Salmonella species
Shigella species (including S. dysenteriae, S. boydii, S. sonnei, and S. flexneri)
Shiga toxin 1
Shiga toxin 2
Indicate on request form if isolation of other enteric pathogens is desired.

Stool Pathogens Expanded, PCR may be ordered if testing of additional pathogens is desired.
 


Preferred Specimen
Stool in Para-PakTM culture and sensitivity preservative vial (C&S) - fill to line with stool.

Microbiology Specimen Collection Guide  


Minimum Volume
Fresh Stool: 2 ml
Para-PakTM culture and sensitivity (C&S) preserved specimen: fill to line


Other Acceptable Specimens
Fresh Stool (unpreserved)


Instructions

A copy of the Stool Collection Patient Instructions (located under laboratory information) should be given to the outpatient or as follows:

  • Submit fresh stool in a Para-PakTM culture and sensitivity (C&S) preservative vial supplied.
  • Add stool to the “fill to here” line on the vial.
  • Carefully break up specimen using spoon.
  • Tighten cap, and shake firmly to ensure that the specimen is adequately mixed. When mixing is complete, solution should appear homogeneous.
  • Send specimen refrigerated.
  • Label container (not the lid) with two patient identifiers (full name, DOB or MR) and date and time of collection.
  • Forward promptly.


Specimen Stability
Specimen Type Temperature Time
Fresh Stool Refrigerate 2 hours
Stool in Para-PakTM  Vial Refrigerate 5 days


Methodology
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Multiplex Verigene Enteric Pathogens Nucleic Acid Test

Setup Schedule
Monday through Sunday, Continuously


Report Available
24 hours


Reference Range
Salmonella: negative
Shigella: negative
Campylobacter: negative
Shigatoxin 1: negative
Shigatoxin 2: negative
Critical value (automatic call-back): positive result for any enteric pathogen


Performing Laboratory
McKee Medical Center - Microbiology/Molecular Laboratory



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.