Effective Monday, June 30, 2014, screening for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus species [currently "VanA/VanB Detection by PCR (rule out VRE)" (Epic order LAB2434)] will convert to a new method with comparable performance ["VRE Screen by Culture" (Epic order LAB2247)].  In addition to the new order, several points should be noted as follows:

1) Specimen collection, handling, and delivery will remain the same.

2) The testing schedule will convert from M/W/F to 7 days a week.

3) Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci of epidemiological significance will be reported to species level for correlation with future screening and diagnostic testing.

Questions concerning testing can be directed to Bradley Ford, MD, PhD, Associate Medical Director of Microbiology (ext. 6-2990, pager 8290).