Test Code LAB5490 Shiga Toxin, Molecular Detection, PCR, Feces
Additional Codes
SQ: STFRPM
MAYO: STFRP
Reporting Name
Shiga Toxin PCR, FUseful For
Sensitive, specific, and rapid detection of the presence of Shiga toxin-producing organisms such as Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Shigella dysenteriae type 1 in stool
This test is not recommended as a test of cure.
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
FecalAdditional Testing Requirements
In some cases, local public health requirements may impact Mayo Clinic Laboratories (MCL) clients and require additional testing on specimens with positive test results. MCL recommends clients retain an aliquot of each specimen for potential additional testing. Alternatively, if a specimen needs to be returned, clients must contact MCL within 96 hours of specimen collection. Clients will be responsible for submitting their specimens to appropriate public health departments.
Necessary 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 shiga toxin DNA is unlikely.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Preferred:
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 nonnutritive transport medium containing phenol red as a pH indicator, either Cary-Blair or Para-Pak C and S)
Specimen Volume: Representative portion of feces; 5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect fresh fecal specimen and submit in container with transport medium.
2. Within 2 hours of collection, place feces in preservative.
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred) 7 days/Refrigerated 7 days
Acceptable:
Specimen Type: Unpreserved feces
Supplies:
-Stool container, Small (Random), 4 oz (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) 7 days/Frozen 7 days
Specimen Minimum Volume
1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fecal | Varies | 7 days |
Reference Values
Not applicable
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87798
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| STFRP | Shiga Toxin PCR, F | 80679-4 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| SRC59 | Specimen Source | 31208-2 |
| 56052 | Result | 80679-4 |
Method Description
This method employs a target-specific detection system, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers and fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) hybridization probes designed for the stx1 and stx2 genes. The LightCycler instrument amplifies and monitors target nucleic acid sequences by fluorescence during PCR cycling. This is an automated PCR system that can rapidly detect amplified product development. The detection of amplified products is based on the FRET principle. For FRET product detection, a hybridization probe with a donor fluorophore, fluorescein, on the 3' end is excited by an external light source, which emits light that is absorbed by a second hybridization probe with an acceptor fluorophore, LC-Red 640, at the 5' end. The acceptor fluorophore then emits a light of a different wavelength that is measured with a signal that is proportional to the amount of specific PCR product. The process is completed in a closed tube system.(Grys TE, Sloan LM, Rosenblatt JE, Patel R: Rapid and sensitive detection of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli from nonenriched stool specimens by real-time PCR in comparison to enzyme immunoassay and culture. J Clin Microbiol. 2009;47[7]:2008-2012)
Report Available
1 to 2 daysReject Due To
| Formed feces | Reject |
| Feces in gel transport medium | Reject |
| Feces in EcoFix preservative | Reject |
| Feces in formalin | Reject |
| Feces in PVA fixative | Reject |
| Preserved feces received frozen | Reject |
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Testing Algorithm
For more information see Laboratory Testing for Infectious Causes of Diarrhea.
Special Instructions
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-Microbiology Test Request (T244)
-Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728)
-Renal Diagnostics Test Request (T830)
-Coagulation Test Request (T753)