Escherichia coli O157:H7 Culture, Feces
Use
This test is useful for determining whether Escherichia coli O157:H7 is the cause of diarrhea. It is particularly valuable for patients who have tested positive for Shiga toxin and/or E. coli O157:H7 nucleic acid through other methods. Note that this test is generally not useful for patients hospitalized for more than 3 days, as the likelihood of obtaining a pathogen is low.
Special Instructions
All suspected cases of E. coli O157:H7 must be reported to the Minnesota Department of Health or your respective local health department. Specimens must arrive within 96 hours of collection. The specimen source and certain specifics of local submission requirements should be confirmed.
Limitations
The test has reduced efficacy for specimen collection beyond 2 hours without preservation, and for patients hospitalized longer than 3 days. It’s important not to perform susceptibilities since antibiotics are not recommended as treatment due to risk of complications, such as HUS.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 10851-4
- 10851-4
Result Turnaround Time
2-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Stool
Volume
Representative portion
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Commercially available transport system specific for recovery of enteric pathogens
Collection Instructions
Collect fresh feces and submit 1 gram or 5 mL in container with transport medium. Place feces in preservative within 2 hours of collection. Place vial in a sealed plastic bag.
Patient Preparation
Patient should not use barium or bismuth for 7 to 10 days before specimen collection.
Causes for Rejection
Unpreserved feces, ECOFIX preservative, Formalin or PVA fixative
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 4 days |
| Refrigerated | 4 days |