Microbiology

Preferred Sample Type

Enteric PCR

Suitable Specimen Types

Faeces Vomit

Enteric PCR

Specimen Volume

At least 1g stool or >1mL if liquid

Turnaround Time

Same day results (approx. 6hrs from receipt if reecived by 8am)

Sample Processing In Laboratory

This test has replaced Faeces culture/CDIF/Noro testing. Vomit samples are tested for Norovirus only.

Sample Stability

If transport is delayed, sample can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours

General Information

Faeces samples will undergo comprehensive syndromic Enteric-PCR testing using GS EasyScreen Pan-Enteric Assay. This will include the simulatneous detection of 24 different tragets, including:

- Norovirus GI & GII, Astrovirus, Enterovirus, Sapovirus, Rotavirus, Adenovirus 40/41

- Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Shigella spp./EIEC, Clostridioides difificile (tcdA/B), Yersinia spp., Aeromonas spp. Vibrio spp., Vibrio cholerae

- Ecoli types: O157, stx-1, stx-2, LTEC, STEC, eaeE

- Giardia spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium spp.

 

 

Results are communicated electronically to Bed Management Teams and Infection Control

 

Please note: Vomit samples are tested for Norovirus only. This is currently an evaluation only, untill July 2025.

 

Accreditation: This test is not currently UKAS accredited.

Patient Preparation

Samples that have been sent within the last 72 hours will not be re-tested.

Samples must reach the laboratotry by 8am to guarantee same day results. 

Specifications

  • EQA Status: Enrolled in QCMD
  • EQAS Scheme: Yes

Tags

Enteric PCR EPCR Faeces Genetic signatures Norovirus

Creation Date

Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Modification Date

Wednesday, 26 February 2025

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Copyright UHB Pathology 2025

Protection of Personal Information – Pathology Laboratories Services comply with the Trust Data Protection Policy and have procedures in place to allow the Directorate and it’s employees to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 and associated best practice and guidance.

The laboratories at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital form part of the services provided by University Hospitals Birmingham and are UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited to the ISO 15189:2012 standard. Laboratories are currently transitioning across to ISO 15189:2022 standard. For a list of accredited tests and other information please visit the UKAS website using the following link: https://www.ukas.com/find-an-organisation/ 

  • Molecular Pathology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8759
  • Biochemistry is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8910
  • Haematology and Transfusion is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8784
  • Clinical Microbiology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8760
  • Cellular Pathology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 10141
  • United Kingdom Health Security Agency laboratory is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No.8213

Tests not appearing on the UKAS Schedule of Accreditation currently remain outside of our scope of accreditation. However, these tests have been validated to the same high standard as accredited tests and are performed by the same trained and competent staff.

For further test information, please visit the test database: https://qehbpathology.uk/test-database 

For further information contact Louise Fallon, Quality Manager, 0121 371 5962/ 0121 424 1235