GI Panel

Message

Specimens from BUMCS, North and Orange Grove Cancer Centers, must be collected in Cary Blair media.
NOTE: Recommended test for Ova and Parasites, refer to test code Ova and Parasites, Stool

Test Code

GIPCRST

CPT Codes
87506

Preferred Specimen

BUMCT: Approximately 1 gram of Stool sample collected in a sterile container sent to the lab as soon as possible.
BUMCS, North and Orange Grove Cancer Centers: Approximately 1 gram of Stool sample in Cary Blair media.
MMC: Stool submitted in preservative Parapack C&S Vial (orange top).

Minimum Volume

0.2mL

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

Acceptable specimens in Cary Blair media are stable up to 48 hours after collection refrigerated at 2-8°C.

Methodology
RT-PCR

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

2-16 hours

Clinical Significance

The Verigene® Enteric Pathogens Nucleic Acid Test (EP) is a multiplexed, qualitative test for the simultaneous detection and identification of common pathogenic enteric bacteria, viruses and genetic virulence markers from liquid or soft stool preserved samples collected from individuals presenting signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal infection. The test is performed on the automated Luminex VERIGENE System utilizing reverse transcription (RT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and array hybridization to detect specific gastrointestinal microbial nucleic acid gene sequences associated with the following pathogenic bacteria and viruses: 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), Vibrio Group (composed of V.cholerae and V.parahaemolyticus), Yersinia enterocolitica, Norovirus GI/GII, Rotavirus A. In addition, the EP assay detects the Shiga toxin 1 gene and Shiga toxin 2 virulence markers, Shiga toxin producing E.coli (STEC) typically harbor one or both genes that encode for Shiga toxin 1 and 2.

Performing Laboratory
Banner University Medical Center of Tucson
McKee Medical Center

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.