Enteric Pathogen Culture, Bacterial
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| Updated | 4/1/2025
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| Search Terms | Stool Culture, Bacterial;
Salmonella Culture;
Shigella Culture;
Escherichia coli O157 Culture;
Campylobacter Culture; Gastrointestinal bacteria; Vibrio Culture; Yersinia Culture
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| How to Order |
On the
General Microbiology Test Request Form (OHA0060), in the “Enterics” section, check the “Culture” box for the pathogen of interest.
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| Availability | All clients for public health investigations
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| Performed | Daily, on regular business days
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| Time to Reporting | Within 10 working days after receipt of specimen
Preliminary report will be sent upon isolate confirmation.
Reporting of final species identification is currently suspended for Campylobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Vibrio spp. pending final evaluation of a new analysis tool. Final results will be available following confirmation of performance specifications which will take several weeks.
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| CPT Code | 87045 - aerobic stool culture, with isolation and preliminary examination,
Salmonella and
Shigella species
87046 - additional pathogens, isolation and presumptive identification of isolates
87077 - additional methods required for definitive identification, each isolate |
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Specimen Collection Details |
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| Collection | Within two hours of collection, transfer stool specimen into Cary Blair stool transport system. Specimens must be submitted in Enteric Pathogen Transport (EPT) media (e.g. Cary Blair).
Specimens must be collected prior to initiation of antimicrobials. Rectal swab in EPT media acceptable for specimens from infant patients. To submit specimens for Shiga toxin producing
E. coli (STEC), please visit the
STEC Culture Test Menu Page.
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| Optimal Volume | 5 gm solid stool or 5 ml liquid stool |
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| Minimum Volume | 2 gm solid stool or 5 ml liquid stool |
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| Handling |
Store specimens at room temperatures (20-25°C) for up to 24 hours pending transport.
If stored for more than 24 hours, keep specimens at refrigerated temperatures (2-8°C) pending transport.
Do not freeze, avoid extreme heat. |
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| Transport | Package specimens to maintain refrigerated temperatures during transport.
Specimens must be received at OSPHL within 4 calendar days of collection and transfer into Cary Blair media. If specimens will arrive at OSPHL within 24 hours of transfer into Cary Blair media, specimens may be transported to maintain ambient temperatures.
Do not collect or transport for receipt at the OSPHL on a state holiday. Sample integrity may be compromised.
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| Rejection Criteria | Rectal swabs with no visible fecal material, specimens mixed with urine, raw stool, or specimens submitted in non-EPT.
Specimens are subject to the requirements of the OSPHL Specimen Submission Policy (pdf). |
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Comments
| Positive results for this method will reflex to identification for the pathogen found in the specimen. Additional information about these methods can be found on the respective Lab Test Menu pages for these pathogens.
If viral pathogens are suspected, please follow the instructions for
Viral Gastroenteritis Panel.
Original material submitted for testing is retained for 2 calendar days after receipt at the laboratory.
For additional information or assistance, please contact the OSPHL at 503-693-4100.
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Method Details |
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Methodology |
Standard reference procedures for culture of
Salmonella spp.,
Shigella
spp., Campylobacter
spp. and Shiga toxigenic
Escherichia coli, Vibrio spp., Yersinia spp.
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Performance Specifications | |
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