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Test Menu Details

Carbapenamase Producing Organism (CPO) Screening

Updated4/8/2025
Search TermsCRE PCR; KPC and NDM; CRE Screen; Carba-R; IMP; VIM; OXA-48 in Enterobacterales; Formerly Enterobacteriaceae; Surveillance rectal swab
How to OrderOn the General Microbiology Test Request Form (OHA0060), in the "Miscellaneous Testing" section, check the "CRESCR: CPO Contact Screening" box.
AvailabilityAll clients with approval from the Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Program (ACDP) Healthcare Associated Infections Program.
PerformedAs needed
Time to ReportingWithin 5 working days after receipt of specimen
Public Health DataDe-identified data from antimicrobial surveillance testing are shared with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of the Antimicrobial Resistance Laboratory Network.
CPT Code

Specimen Collection Details

CollectionUse the rectal dual swab collection kit provided by OSPHL. Rectal swabs or perirectal swabs are acceptable. See the attached CRO Screening Specimen Collection Guide (pdf) for visual collection examples.

Hold the swab by the red cap for collection; do not touch the swab.

Rectal swab samples - Remove the swabs from the transport container. Carefully insert both swab tips about 1 cm beyond the anal sphincter and rotate gently.
OR
Perirectal swab samples - Remove the swabs from the transport container. Carefully insert both swab tips no more than 1 cm into the anal opening before the anal sphincter and rotate gently.

Place the swab pair back into the transport tube and close.

Please see the CRO Screening Specimen Collection Guide (pdf) for examples for optimal and unacceptable specimens. Swabs should not be greatly soiled with stool. Highly soiled swabs cannot be tested. Poor specimen collection can lead to high error rates.
Optimal VolumeN/A
Minimum VolumeN/A
HandlingStore specimens at ambient temperatures (15-28°C) pending transport.

Do not refrigerate or freeze.
TransportTransport specimens to maintain ambient temperatures during transit.

Specimens should be received at the laboratory within 4 days of specimen collection.
Rejection CriteriaPreserved or unpreserved raw stool. Specimens must be tested within 5 days of collection.

Specimens are subject to the requirements of the OSPHL Specimen Submission Policy (pdf).
CommentsTo understand the testing cascade for this testing, please see the CRO Screening Algorithm (pdf).

The performance of the Xpert Carba-R Assay has not been evaluated with rectal or perirectal swab specimens from patients under age 22. Specimens for these patients will first be tested using a direct culture.

Original material submitted for testing is retained for 5 calendar days after receipt at the laboratory.

For additional information or assistance, please contact the OSPHL at 503-693-4100.

Method Details

MethodologyXpert Carba-R, Culture, and Susceptibility testing by broth microdilution
Performance
Specifications		IMP
  • Accuracy-rectal swab: 90-92% 
  • Accuracy-bacterial isolate: 95% 
  • Precision: 100% 
  • Reference Interval: 100% 
VIM, KPC, NDM, OXA-48
  • Accuracy: 100% 
  • Precision: 100% 
  • Reference Interval: 100% 
Culture: N/A

Broth Microdilution
  • Percent Accuracy: > 90% 
  • Precision/Reproducibility: > 95% 
Additional method performance specifications may be available. Contact the OSPHL if needed.

Change Log

4/8/2025Updated Performance Specifications
3/17/2025Review as New - Comprehensive changes for implementation of new Carba-R testing method
3/13/2024Edit Methodology and Performance Specifications
8/31/2023New Test Menu Page