Stool Culture and E. coli Shiga-like Toxin by EIA
Ordering Recommendation
Preferred test for suspected bacterial diarrhea evaluation. Testing includes cultures for Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, E. coli O157, and EIA for Shiga-like toxin from E. coli. Can be used to rule out Aeromonas and Plesiomonas; specify the pathogen to rule out. For C. difficile testing, refer to Clostridium difficile toxin B gene (tcdB) by PCR (2002838).
New York DOH Approval Status
Specimen Required
Stool.
Place 5 mL stool in enteric transport media (Cary-Blair, ARUP supply #29799) immediately after collection. Available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at (800) 522-2787. (Min: 1 mL)
Refrigerated.
Multiple specimens (more than one in 24 hours). Delayed transport without use of appropriate transport media.
In transport media: Ambient: 1 hour; Refrigerated: 72 hours; Frozen: Unacceptable
Methodology
Culture/Identification
Performed
Sun-Sat
Reported
1-5 days
Negative culture reported at 5 days. Positive culture reported as soon as detected.
Reference Interval
Effective May 16, 2011.
Culture negative for Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, and E. coli 0157.
Interpretive Data
Standard
Note
Identification and susceptibility tests are billed separately from culture. Stool Culture includes culture for Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, and E. coli 0157 as well as EIA for Shiga-like toxin from E. coli. E. coli Shiga-like Toxin by EIA is billed separately.
If an isolate requires testing for Shiga-like toxin (e.g., STEC), refer to E.coli Shiga-like Toxin by EIA (ARUP test code 0060047).
Hotline History
CPT Codes
87045; 87046 x2; Identification CPT codes may vary based on method
Components
Component Test Code* | Component Chart Name | LOINC |
---|---|---|
0060134 | Culture, Stool | 625-4 |
Aliases
- Culture, Stool
- E. coli O157:H7 Culture
- Enteric Pathogens Culture, Stool
- Feces Culture, Routine