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
Not provided.
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
Escherichia coli O157:H7
Microorganism
LOINC Codes
- 10851-4 - E coli O157H7 Stl Ql Cult
- 10851-4 - E coli O157H7 Stl Ql Cult
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 |