NPHL has moved to an electronic ordering system, NUlirt, and it is now the preferred method to order all tests. Once ordered, print a "batch list" (see
NUlirt Guide).
Forms Required - NUlirt batch list of NPHL Test Request Form (completed in its entirety) must accompany the specimen to include the following information: symptoms and date of onset, pregnancy status, travel and vaccine history. Testing
will not be performed without all required information.
Please call NPHL Client Services at 402-559-2440 or toll free at 800-334-0459 for further clarification.
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| Test: |
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli
- No pre-approval needed
- NUlirt order:
- Isolate: NPHLBK
- Stool: HECCU
|
| Synonym: |
E. coli, O157:H7, Shigatoxin positive, non-O157 E. coli, STEC, hemorrhagic E. coli, Shiga toxin |
| Method: |
- Stool:
- Standard culture isolation methods
- Isolate:
- Banking
- Whole Genome Sequencing performed for epidemiology purposes only
|
| Availability: |
- Test performed Monday - Friday
- Turnaround time 1 - 7 days
|
| Specimen: |
|
| Collection Device: |
- Stool specimens should be collected in Cary Blair or Enteric Plus transport media according to manufacturer's instructions
- If fresh stool is received, it should be placed into transport media within 2 hours of collection
- Ratio of stool to Enteric Plus is 2:15 (0.5 mL stool to 3.75 mL Enteric Plus liquid media)
- Isolates on a plate or slant
- Test subject to CLIA regulations and requires 2 patient identifiers on specimen container and requisition forms
|
| Volume: |
Stool samples minimum: 1 mL |
| Storage/Transport: |
- For shipping of isolates, see Category A shipping instructions
- For shipping of stool specimens, see Category B shipping instructions
- Specimen Packaging & Shipping - NPHL
- Seal tubes with Parafilm™ or tape and place in biohazard bag with absorbent material
- NUlirt packing list or appropriate paperwork (completed in its entirety) must accompany specimens
|
| Unacceptable: |
- Leaking specimen
- Mixed isolates
- Stool contaminated with urine
|
| Specimen Stability: |
- Isolates stable at ambient air 15°-25° C
- Stool stable at 2°-8° C up to 4 days
|
| Comments: |
- Isolation of E. coli from stool performed at Nebraska Medicine
- Banking and Whole Genome Sequencing performed at NPHL
- Test results are to be used for epidemiological and infection control purposes only
|
| Revised: |
10/24/2025 |
If you have questions about proper specimen collection, please call
NPHL Client Services at 402-559-2440 or toll free at 800-334-0459.
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