Escherichia coli STEC

• Isolate or specimen submission required.
• Contact CEDEP if a foodborne outbreak is suspected.

• Medications: Do not use barium or bismuth before collection of specimen

• 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 should be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers along with specimen source and match accompanying test order.

• None

• 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.

• 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). 

• Specimens that do not adhere to all specimen requirements will be rejected.

• Nashville