On November 15th 2016, the microbiology laboratory instituted a new test (Enteric Panel, EPIC LAB8513) for stool pathogens.  This test is a multiplexed PCR panel that requires collection and transport with a specific device (FecalSwab, Stores #105117).  This broadcast contains reminders and suggestions that ordering providers may find helpful.

Key Points:

• Only stool on FecalSwabs (Stores # 105117) is acceptable for enteric panel testing.
  
  
  
  • FecalSwabs are collection and transport devices that contain media essential for PCR testing and that maximizes the yield of culture.  Overall test yield (percent of samples positive for a pathogen) with FecalSwabs has been over 10 times greater than with prior practices at UIHC.
    
    
  • Because FecalSwabs should be inoculated immediately after passing the sample, patients may need to be sent home with FecalSwabs (available from Hospital Stores) and collection information (available by contacting the Microbiology laboratory, information at the end of this broadcast).
    
    
  • The Microbiology laboratory does not carry sample collection materials for any test and does not transfer inappropriately collected and transported samples to swabs for testing.
    
  
  
• C. difficile testing is not performed with this panel.  C. difficile testing requires raw stool, not a FecalSwab.  Patients and providers who collect samples for the enteric panel may inoculate the FecalSwab from this sample and send both the FecalSwab and raw stool if both tests are needed.
  
  
• Aeromonas is a rare cause of gastroenteritis in Iowa.  Culture-based testing can be added on to the same FecalSwab with Epic LAB8526.
  
  
• Susceptibility testing will be automatically performed where necessary.
  
  
• For test of cure, order culture-based testing (EPIC LAB8534) and use FecalSwabs as the collection and transport device.

Questions concerning this broadcast can be directed to Bradley Ford, MD, PhD Medical Director of Microbiology; (ext. 6-2990, bradley-ford-1@uiowa.edu).