TYPE OF TEST

Specimens submitted for enteric pathogens will receive screening for Campylobacter, STX positive E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella and, Yersinia spp. Isolation for Vibrio will occur if clinical history suggests additional testing may be of value.

SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS

Fecal bacteria (FB) kits are available from WPHL. Stool specimens should be placed inside the collection containers, paying special attention to the fill line. Tightly seal the container to avoid leaking. If submitting an isolate, growth should be apparent before submission to the laboratory.  A pure culture is required.

SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS

Ship according to regulations for infectious substances.  Complete and enclose WPHL test request form.

DAYS TEST PERFORMED

Daily, Monday – Friday

RESULTS AVAILABLE

Upon completion of identification.

REPORTING & INTERPRETATION

Negative specimens will be reported as "No enteric pathogens isolated".  Specimens showing presumptive pathogenic isolates will be identified and reported out as genus and species or serogroup.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Stool specimens in ETM will be rejected if containers are overfilled, improperly labeled or not identified, or older than 96 hours.  Raw stools (not in ETM) will not be tested.

Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) is performed on all Campylobacter, STX positive E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella isolates for epidemiological investigations.