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HelpTest Code VRERP Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Reporting Name
VRE PCRSpecimen Type
VariesNecessary Information
Specimen source is required.
Specimen Required
The high sensitivity of amplification by polymerase chain reaction requires the specimen to be processed in an environment in which contamination of the specimen by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus DNA is unlikely.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Preferred:
Specimen Type: Perianal, perirectal, rectal, anal
Supplies: Culturette (BBL Culture Swab) (T092)
Container/Tube: Culture transport swab (Dacron or rayon swab with aluminum or plastic shaft with either Stuart or Amies liquid medium)
Specimen Volume: Swab
Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerated (preferred)/Frozen
Acceptable:
Specimen Type: Preserved feces
Supplies: Culture and Sensitivity Stool Transport Vial (T058)
Container/Tube: Commercially available transport system specific for recovery of enteric pathogens from fecal specimens (15 mL of non-nutritive transport medium containing phenol red as a pH indicator, either Cary-Blair, Para-Pak C and S vial)
Specimen Volume: Representative portion of feces
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect fresh feces and submit 1 gram or 5 mL in container with transport medium.
2. Place feces in preservative within 2 hours of collection.
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/ Refrigerated
Specimen Type: Unpreserved feces
Supplies:
-Stool Container, Small (Random), 4 oz Random (T288)
-Stool Collection Kit, Random (T635)
Container/Tube: Fecal container
Specimen Volume: Representative portion of feces
Collection Instructions: Collect fresh fecal specimen and submit representative sample in fecal container.
Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerated (preferred)/Frozen
Reject Due To
| E-swab, calcium alginate or, cotton-tipped swab Swab sent in gel transport medium, viral or universal transport medium Dry swab Formalin or PVA fixative |
Reject |
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varies | Varies | ||
Specimen Minimum Volume
See Specimen Required
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Specimen Retention Time
Swab transport media: 3 days; C and S vial: 7 daysReport Available
1 to 4 daysReference Values
Negative
Useful For
Identifying carriers of vancomycin-resistant enterococci
CPT Code Information
87500
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| VRERP | VRE PCR | 62261-3 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| SRC60 | Specimen source | 31208-2 |
| 84406 | VRE PCR | 62261-3 |
Supportive Data
Perianal swabs (894) were evaluated for the presence of vanA or vanB DNA by the vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and compared to culture using selective and differential media. Compared to culture the VRE PCR assay was 98% sensitive and 98% specific. The VRE PCR assay detected 35 more positive specimens than the culture method. No cross-reactivity was seen when tested on a panel of disease-causing and normal microbiota bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract. Enterococcus species containing the vanC gene were not detected with the VRE PCR assay.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.