Specimen Requirements

Generally submit 3 specimens from different days to rule out the presence of VRE in a patient who was previously positive. Patient should avoid recent antibiotics or X-ray contrast material, antidiarrheal medications, antacids, bismuth, or oil instillation.Specimen source is required.Submit only 1 of the following specimens: Stool specimen must arrive within 1 hour of collection.PreferredSpecimen Type: Stool; liquid, loose, or formedContainer/Tube: Stool containerSpecimen Volume:5 mLof liquid or loose stool orwalnut-sized piece of formed stoolCollection Instructions: 1.Specimen is optimal when obtained early in the disease.2.Specimen from bedpan may be unsatisfactory if there is residual soap, detergent, or disinfectant left in pan or if there is contamination by urine. Also, toilet paper that has been impregnated with bismuth salts may be injurious to organisms in feces.3.Label container with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, specimen source, and date and time of collection.4.Rejection criteria includedelay in transport of >48 hours, multiple specimens in a 24 hour period, or if VRE has been isolated from the patient in other cultures in the previous 2 weeks.AlternateSpecimen Type: Rectal, perirectum or rectumContainer/Tube: Culture transport swab in sterile culture transport tubeSpecimen Volume:SwabCollection Instructions: 1.Pass swab beyond anal sphincter.>2. Rotate swab and withdraw.>3. Place swab in sterile culture transport tube, and crush ampule to ensure specimen preservation.4.Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, specimen source, and date and time of collection.5.Rejection criteria includedelay in transport of >48 hours, multiple specimens in a 24 hour period, or if VRE has been isolated from the patient in other cultures in the previous 2 weeks.