Cronobacter

TEST NAME Cronobacter species
DISEASE/DISORDER Cronobacter infection
ALTERNATE NAME(S) Cronobacter sakazakii, Enterobacter sakazakii, Cronobacter malonaticus, Enterobacter malonaticus
METHODOLOGY Culture

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
  • Isolate or specimen submission REQUIRED from infants (<12 months old) with invasive illness.
  • Contact CEDEP if outbreak is suspected.
ORDERING INFORMATION Lab Web Portal

Specimen Requirements

Patient Preparation
  • None
Specimen Collection
  • Acceptable Specimen Sources/Type(s) for Submission

- Specimens from sterile and non-sterile sites

- Isolates (preferred) - pure cultures 
Specimen Labeling
  • Specimen should be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers along with specimen source and match accompanying test order.
Specimen Processing
  • None
Specimen Storage and Preservation
  • Acceptable specimen types (sterile and non-sterile) should be stored at  2 - 8°C except for CSF, store at 15 - 25°C.
  • Isolates on blood agar plates (BAP) should be stored in ambient conditions.
Specimen Transportation
  • Ship sterile or non-sterile specimens at  2 - 8°C except for CSF, ship at 15-25°C.
  • Ship isolates at ambient conditions. 
  • All infectious substance shipments must conform to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR 49 C.F.R. Parts 171-180). 
Specimen Acceptability and Rejection
  • Specimens that do not meet all specimen requirements will be rejected. 
Testing Location
  • Nashville

This Page Last Updated: September 15, 2025 at 2:49 PM