Preferred Sample Type
Suitable Specimen Types
Faeces VomitEnteric PCR
Specimen Volume
At least 1g stool or >1mL if liquidTurnaround Time
Same day results (approx. 6hrs from receipt if received 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 hoursGeneral Information
Faeces samples will undergo comprehensive syndromic Enteric-PCR testing, using the GS EasyScreen Pan-Enteric Assay. This will include the simultaneous detection of 24 different targets, including:
- Norovirus GI & GII, Astrovirus, Enterovirus, Sapovirus, Rotavirus, Adenovirus 40/41
- Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Shigella spp./EIEC, Clostridioides difficile (tcdA/B), Yersinia spp., Aeromonas spp. Vibrio spp., Vibrio cholerae
- Ecoli types: O157, stx-1, stx-2, ETEC, eae
- 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, until December 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