Faeces, bacterial investigation

Diagnostic Use

Diarrhea may be caused by a number of infectious agents (eg. bacteria, viruses, parasites and medications). A thorough patient history covering symptoms, severity, duration of illness, age, travel history, food consumption and illness in the family or contacts is imperative.

Department

Microbiology - Bacteriology

Delphic Registration Code

FAEC

Synonyms

Bacterial gastroenteritis
Enteric pathogen screen
Stool culture

Turnaround Time

24 hours

Test Code

2216

Specimen Type

• Faecal

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Pottle

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Pottle

Acceptable

• Pottle

Pre-testing Requirements

Faecal samples will not be tested if the patient has been hospitalized for more than 3 days. Yield in this patient group is very low.

Formed faecal samples will not be tested (samples which do not conform to the shape of the container) as there is little clinical value in such testing.

Additional Specimen Information

Samples received in PVA fixative or SAF fixative are not acceptable for bacterial testing. Only one specimen per day is required for bacterial testing.
Specimens unsuitable for bacterial PCR if there is a delay in transport to the lab of greater than 72 hrs.

Specimen - ¼ to ½ fill a sterile pottle
Deliver ASAP at room temperature. Refrigerate if delay anticipated

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Faecal

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)
If overnight - Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Many of the infectious agents reported require Public Health notification.

Test Method

Bacterial Multiplex PCR.

Bacteria routinely tested for: Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, ETEC, STEC, Yersinia, Vibrio, Aeromonas and Pleisiomonas.

Non-Funded Test Cost

$45.21 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

2216

Clinical details are always important.
Always indicate recent overseas and country of travel.
Depending on clinical details Listeria can be cultured for also.

Contact Information

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