Specimen:

Stool

Collection Medium:

Minimum:

Submit 10-20 g stool in sterile container.

Delivery Instructions:

Transport time is less than or equal to 1 hr.  Refrigerate immediately 
if transport is delayed.

Specimen
Instructions:

Label specimen with two patient identifiers, date and time of 
collection.

Testing Schedule:

0700-2200, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Reference Range:

No Shiga-toxin-detected.

Comments:

This assay is a rapid in vitro microwell EIA for the detection of Shiga 
toxins I and II (verotoxins) in stool specimens.  The test is intended 
for use as an aid in the diagnosis of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia 
coli (EHEC) infection. Shiga toxin testing of stool specimens provides 
better sensitivity than standard culture methods for the E. coli 
O157:H7 serotype and non-O157 serotypes. Testing of broth cultures, 
rather than the stool specimens themselves, is performed because the 
amount of free fecal Shiga toxin in stools is often low.  All Shiga 
toxin positive broths (or presumptive E. coli O157:H7 isolates) will be 
forwarded to the University Hygienic Laboratory for confirmatory 
testing and genetic characterization.  Shiga toxin testing is included 
in routine stool cultures as recommended by Centers for Disease 
Control (CDC).

Methodology:

Enzyme Immunoassay

CPT Code:

87427

See Additional Information:
Microbiology Specimen Collection and Transport