Enteric Pathogens Culture, Feces
Use
This test is useful in determining whether a bacterial enteric pathogen is the cause of diarrhea. It may help identify the source of the infectious agent, such as dairy products, poultry, water, or meat. However, the test is generally not useful for patients who have been hospitalized for more than three days, as the likelihood of identifying a new pathogen is low.
Special Instructions
If Vibrio is suspected, order the VIBC / Vibrio Culture, Feces. For antimicrobial susceptibility testing, order ZMMLS / Antimicrobial Susceptibility, Aerobic Bacteria. If appropriate, other tests may be canceled. _Clostridioides difficile_ and _Escherichia coli_ O157:H7 are not detected by this test; order CDPCR or STFRP for those pathogens respectively.
Limitations
This test does not include culture for _Escherichia coli_ O157:H7. Cultural methods may fail to grow some pathogens if NOT included in appropriate selective media. Considerations of patient history, such as recent antibiotic use or travel, are necessary to better interpret results. Performance characteristics have been verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 625-4
Result Turnaround Time
3-8 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Stool
Volume
Representative portion of fecal specimen
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Culture transport swab or transport system
Collection Instructions
Submit either a fecal swab or preserved feces in the specified transport medium. Collect a small amount of stool, rotate swab in stool, and place into the tube with preservative. Ensure the MAX fill line is not exceeded. Mix stool specimen against tube sides to evenly disperse, then seal and shake vial until homogeneous.
Patient Preparation
Patient should not use barium or bismuth 7 to 10 days before collection.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated 3 days preferred; ambient 2 days.
Causes for Rejection
Unpreserved stool, or stool in ECOFIX/ formalin/ PVA fixative will be rejected.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 2 days |
| Refrigerated | 3 days |