Effective July 7, 2003, all rectal swabs sent to the Microbiology Lab to rule out the presence of vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) will be processed in the Molecular Pathology/Diagnostics Laboratory using a new PCR methodology. The PCR will detect the vanA and vanB resistance genes of VRE and will return a result the same day if the swabs are submitted to the lab by 0930, Monday - Friday.

Units that conduct screening for VRE should try to spread the specimens they collect throughout the week in order to even out the workload which will help ensure a same day result. This test is not available on weekends or holidays.

Please contact the Molecular Pathology/Diagnostics Laboratory at 384-9568 if you have any technical questions. Clinical queries can be addressed by Dr. Doern (356-8616), Dr. Richter (356-2990) or Dr. Dodgson (356-2948).