GI PANEL

Gastropathogen Panel without C. diff

EPIC Test Procedure Code: LAB4038

Performing Lab:
Saint Luke's Regional Laboratories
Container Type:
Preferred: Sterile Cup AND Cary Blair
Specimen Type:

Stool/Feces

Minimum Volume:
Representative portion of stool
Collection Procedure:

Stool in Cary Blair:

1. Collect and Transfer Sample: Using the spoon integrated into the underside of the Cary Blair container lid, transfer stool to the Cary Blair container until the fill line is reached.  Focus on bloody, slimy, or watery areas.  Do not fill past the fill line.

2. Mix Sample: Mash and mix the stool in the vial to disperse it evenly, if needed. 

3. Shake Vial: Shake the vial until the sample is mixed well.

4. Label and Send: Apply a printed label with the patient’s full name, date of birth, identification number, date and time of collection.  Write the initials of the person collecting the specimen, and the specimen source on the label.  Send it to the lab at room temperature within 1 hour.

Alternative collection Method – Fecal Swab:

 1. Labeling of Fecal Swab: Label FecalSwab with the patient’s full name, date of birth, identification number, date and time of collection, initials of the person collecting the specimen, and the specimen source.
 2. Kit Contents: Each kit has a swab and tube with 2 mL of medium.  Use after collecting stool in a clean container without urine or water.
 3. Open Kit: Open the pouch and remove the swab without touching the tip.  Hold the swab above the marked breakpoint.
 4. Diapered patients: If the patient wears a diaper; apply a urine bag and wash the rectal area with soap and warm water to reduce contamination risk.
 5. Collect Sample: Insert the swab tip into the stool and rotate. Focus on bloody, slimy, or watery areas.
 6. Check Swab: Ensure stool is visible on the swab tip.  If not, repeat the collection.
 7. Transfer Sample: Place the swab in the tube, ensuring the sample doesn’t exceed the “MAX FILL” line.  If it does, discard and use a new kit.
 8. Mix Sample: Mash and mix the stool in the tube to disperse it evenly.
 9. Break Swab: Hold the tube away from your face and bend the swab to break it at the marked point.
10. Remove Shaft: Twist and remove the broken part of the swab shaft.  Tighten the cap.
11.  Shake Tube: Shake the tube until the sample is mixed well.

View patient stool collection instructions (PDF).

Store and Transport:
Preserved specimens are stable for 24 hours at room temperature, or 4 days at 2-8°C.
Unacceptable Condition:

Stool in sterile cups only.
Rectal swabs are not acceptable for testing.

CPT Codes:

87507 - GI Panel by PCR (EAP 99950322)

Test Schedule:
Monday through Sunday
Method:
Multiplexed DNA probe test
Test Includes:
Targets detected: Campylobacter, Plesiomonas shigelloides, Salmonella, Vibrio, Vibrio cholera, Yersinia enterocolitica, Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) It/st, Shiga-like toxin producing E. coli (STEC) stx1/stx2, E. coli 0157, Shigella/Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC), Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Adenovirus F 40/41, Astrovirus, Norovirus GI/GII, Rotavirus A, Sapovirus I, II, IV, and V
Reference Ranges:

Not detected

Lab Personnel

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