Escherichia coli STEC

TEST NAME Escherichia coli STEC
DISEASE/DISORDER Diarrheal disease, Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)
ALTERNATE NAME(S) Enteric pathogens, stool culture, aerobic bacterial stool culture, E. coli O157:H7 stool culture, Escherichia coli O157:H7 stool culture 
METHODOLOGY Culture
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
  • Isolate or specimen submission required.
  • Contact CEDEP if a foodborne outbreak is suspected.
ORDERING INFORMATION TDH DLS Requisition:  PH-4182 Clinical Submission Requisition

Specimen Requirements

Patient Preparation
  • Medications: Do not use barium or bismuth before collection of specimen
Specimen Collection
  • Stool

- C&S Culture Transport Media (i.e. ParaPak)

- Semisolid or liquid transport media (i.e. Cary Blair or Amies)

- Commercially available transport system specific for recovery of enteric pathogens from fecal specimens

  • Isolate

- Pure isolate cultures
Specimen Labeling
  • Specimen must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers and match accompanying PH-4182 Clinical Submission Requisition.
Specimen Processing
  • None
Specimen Storage and Preservation
  • Stool specimens should be stored at 2-30°C and arrive at the laboratory within 4 days of specimen collection. If possible, refrigerate at 2-8°C.
  • Isolates should be stored in ambient conditions and submitted within 2 weeks of isolation.
Specimen Transport
  • Ship stool specimens in appropriate transport media at 2-30°C with cold packs. If possible, maintain at 2-8°C.
  • Ship isolates at ambient temperature.
  • 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 adhere to all specimen requirements will be rejected.
Testing Location
  • Nashville

This Page Last Updated: April 11, 2024 at 12:36 PM