2007
New Test Information Index
New Methodology for Group B Strep in Pre-partum and Intra-partum Women
New Enterohemorragic E.coli (EHEC) Shiga Toxin Testing in Routine Stool Cultures
New Group B Strep Methodology (Revised April 27, 2007)
Group B Strep
On April 30, 2007 , AMS Laboratory will change methodology for Group B Strep in pre-partum and intra-partum women. AMS will utilize PCR technology for the detection of amplified DNA instead of traditional culture. Molecular testing will provide a more sensitive and rapid test result. Sensitivity of the molecular test for Group B Strep is 94% with a specificity of 96%. Specimen requirements will not change. A vaginal /anal specimen collected on a liquid Stuarts swab is recommended. Susceptibility testing will still be available for penicillin allergic women. Lab Portal clients should note in comment section if patient is penicillin allergic and requisition clients should check box provided on the test line.
New test and CPT code information:
Order Number: 6049680 CPT Code: 87653
Specimen collection
Specimen collection will not change. Specimen requirement is C& S transport vial.
If you have further questions about this or any other test, please call customer service at 265-4533.
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E. Coli Shiga Toxin to be Included in Routine Stool Cultures (Revised April 27, 2007)
E. coli Shiga toxins
Starting April 15, 2007 , routine stool culture will include testing for Enterohemorragic E. coli (EHEC) Shiga toxin. This change is in response to recent CDC recommendations and increased national outbreaks of life-threatening food-borne illness. Shiga toxin testing detects EHEC infection, including E. coli 0157:H7 and non 0157:H7 serotypes. Routine screening of all stools for the presence of EHEC Shiga toxin will reflect the true prevalence of EHEC infections. Shiga toxin testing detects approximately 40% more E coli 0157:H7 and 20% more non 0157:47 than traditional culture.
New test and CPT code information:
Routine stool culture includes Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter and Shiga toxin
Order number 6074036 CPT codes 87045, 87046, 87899
Shiga toxin assay only
Order Number 6074035 CPT code 87899
Specimen collection
Specimen collection will not change. Specimen requirement is C& S transport vial.
If you have further questions about this or any other test, please call customer service at 265-4533.
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