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 until further notice.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.
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