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Test Code CSTLH Enteric Pathogen Culture Panel

Additional Codes

EPIC: STOOL CULTURE [LAB223]

Test Method

Bacterial Culture, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR

Performance

Average turnaround time is 2 - 5 business days

Specimen Requirement

Stool specimen or rectal swabs in enteric transport media (Carey Blair)

CPT Code Information

87045, 87046 x4 (87798 x 2)

Additional Specimen Collection Information

Specimen Type: Stool specimen or rectal swabs in enteric transport media (Cary-Blair).
Patient Preparation: The patient should be instructed not to take any antacids, oily laxatives, or anti-diarrheal medications unless prescribed by the physician.
Collection Instructions: Use an Enteric Transport Media (Cary-Blair) Vial, clearly labeled with two unique identifiers (patient's name and unique identifier) and the date of collection. ETM is buffered and normally appears red. If the liquid is yellow, an acidic shift has occurred and the vial should not be used. Pass the stool into a clean, dry, plastic disposable container or place a large plastic bag or kitchen wrap over the toilet seat to catch the specimen. DO NOT MIX URINE OR WATER WITH THE STOOL SPECIMEN.

Formed or semi-formed stool: Using the spork built into the lid, add approximately three spoonfuls of firm stool, or five spoonfuls of soft stool to the vial until the liquid reaches the red "fill line". Any blood or mucous should be included.
    Liquid stool: Pour the stool into the vial up to the red fill line.
      Rectal swabs: Insert the swabs into the transport media and break or cut the sticks so that the vial cap may be securely closed.
        Tighten the vial cap completely. A leaking specimen may be unsuitable for testing. Clean the outside of the vial with rubbing alcohol or soap and water if they are soiled. Make sure the patient name and date of collection are still readable. Wrap the specimen in absorbent material and place into a biohazard bag.

        Wash hands thoroughly.
         
        Temperature and Stability: Refrigerated (2-8°C); stable for 96 hours.
        Unacceptable Conditions: Unpreserved stool, insufficient or overfilled transport media (ETM or Carey-Blair), > 3 days from time of collection or > 4 days if refrigerated, ETM samples that have turned yellow, samples that have leaked.

        Reference Value

        Enteric Culture: No Enteric Pathogens Found, Enteric pathogen identification. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) stx DNA Screen (stx1, stx2): Detected, Not Detected, Indeterminate, Equivocal.