Culture, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC)
| Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Method | Enzyme Immuno Assay (EIA) for detection of Shiga toxins I and II (verotoxins) |
| CPT Code | N/A |
| Test Scope | Isolation of Shiga toxin producing E. coli colonies (including E. coli O157) from positive MacConkey broths by sub-culture to MacConkey and sorbitol- MacConkey agar plates |
| Preferred Specimen | A positive MacConkey broth that has tested positive for Shiga toxins by EIA, plus the original stool sample in Cary-Blair transport media. |
| Specimen Container | A sealed MacConkey broth |
| Specimen Identification | Label with patient's first and last name, DOB and date/time of collection. |
| Shipping Requirements | Store and ship refrigerated. Transport to lab as soon as possible preferably within 24 hours. Stools and broths may be held for up to 7 days at 2-8° C before testing by EIA. |
| Sample Rejection Criteria |
|
| Turn-around-time | 48-72 hours |