Proven Diagnostics Test Catalog

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COMPREHENSIVE STOOL CULTURE

Test code:
STCOM
Specimen type:
Stool, fresh or prepared.
Tube type / collection container:
Specimen collection notes:
ETM is the preferred device. See Microbiology Collection Appendix for instructions.
What to submit:
Enteric Transport Media (ETM) filled to fill line.
Patient preparation:
None.
 
Specimen Processing Instructions:
Do not mail specimens.
Transport temperature:
ETM preservative: 0-72 hours refrigerated.
Specimen stability:
ETM preservative: 0-72 hours refrigerated.
Rejection criteria:
Formed stool. Specimen collected on inpatient > 72 hours after admission. Improperly labeled/identified specimen. Grossly contaminated specimen. Specimen contaminated with urine. Expired collection/transport device. Improper transport device. Delay in transport or transport at wrong temperature.
 
Reference range:
No Salmonella, Shigella, or Campylobacter isolated. E. coli Shiga Toxin 1 and E. coli Shiga Toxin 2 not detected. No Yersinia or Aeromonas isolated. No Vibrio isolated (on special request).
Alert limits:
Any enteric pathogen isolated. Detection of E. coli Shiga toxin 1 and/or 2.
Additional information:
Vibrio is only cultured upon request. Note in order as appropriate.
CPT code(s):
87045, 87046 x2, 87015, 87899 x2
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.  The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.
When performed:
Daily, all shifts
Test includes:
Isolation and identification of Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Yersinia, and Aeromonas (Vibrio upon request). Detection of E. coli Shiga toxin 1 and 2. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing performed as appropriate. Additional charges may apply.
Methodology:
Culture
Synonyms:
YERSINIA
STOOL
AEROMONAS
E. COLI
VIBRIO
CULTURE
ENTERIC
FECES, EHEC, SHIGA TOXIN
Clinical Significance:
Isolation of listed diarrheal is generally indicative of active infection.