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Gastrointestinal Pathogens Stool PCR - Viral - Provincial

Discipline

Microbiology

Overview

Description

  • Viral stool PCR is a multiplex, real-time PCR assay for direct detection of nucleic acid for viruses causing infectious gastroenteritis. This assay detects Norovirus GI/GII, Astrovirus, Sapovirus, Adenovirus F 40/41 and Rotavirus. 
Ordering Recommendations
  • Patients with acute diarrheal syndromes and signs of infection
  • Patients associated with outbreaks in healthcare facilities
  • This test is not recommended as a test of cure
  • Repeat PCR testing not indicated within 7 days of a negative or 14 days of a positive result

Specimen Information

Specimen types accepted

  • Stool in Cary-Blair transport media (Enteric Culture Transport Media)
  • Stool in sterile container
  • Ileostomy fluid
  • Rectal swabs are NOT accepted

Collection procedure

  • Do not let urine or water mix with stool specimen
  • Do not use toilet paper to collect stool
  • You will need a separate, sterile disposable container to collect stool prior to placing inside Cary-Blair transport media. Using the plastic paddle attached to the lid of the Cary-Blair tube, collect small portions from each end and the middle of the stool, especially sampling areas of stool that contain mucus or blood
  • Place solid stool about the size of a walnut into the Cary-Blair vial or sterile container
  • Fill liquid stool to the fill indicator line on the container. DO NOT FILL PAST THIS MARK.
  • Place cap on container securely.
  • Ensure outside of container is not contaminated with stool.
  • Wash hands with soap and water.

Required volume

  • 1 stool specimen
  • Recommended walnut sized solid stool or to Cary-Blair fill line for liquid stool

Transport and stability

  • Store frozen and transport without delay
  • Specimen should be received by lab within 48h of collection
  • Specimens older than 4 days will be rejected

Testing Information

Relevant clinical history

  • If patient is part of an outbreak, include the outbreak number
  • For inpatient, institutional or outbreak specimens collect within 48h of onset if possible
  • Collect specimen from all other settings (ER, ambulatory, etc) only if symptoms persist more than 72 hours
  • Patient should not take any laxatives, enemas or antibiotics for 1 week prior to specimen

Performance

Methodology

  • BD Max Enteric Viral PCR Panels

Days/times performed

Availability
  • Test performed 7 days per week 

Maximum laboratory time

Result Reporting
  • 24-48h turnaround time for PCR

Specimen retention time

  • Specimens are retained for 3 days after initial processing

Last Updated: April 18, 2024