On the current Clinical Microbiology requisition form (MH08111), there is no category for "rule-out VRE" from stool specimens. This will be corrected with the next revision of the form that will be available in July, 2002. In the meantime, please write "R/O VRE" on the line that indicates other test requests. Simply checking the box indicating "stool culture" does not result in a rule-out VRE screen. Routine stool cultures focus on detection of Salmonella, Shigella Campylobacter and enterohemorrhagic E. coli.

Please direct questions or comments regarding this message to Janet Croco, (6-2591) Operations Coordinator or Gary V. Doern, Ph.D., (6-8616) Director, Clinical Microbiology Laboratory.