Sign in →

Test Code LAB6013 Culture, Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE)

Additional Codes

Test Name in EPIC EPIC Test Code Mnemonic
CULTURE, VRE SCREEN LAB6013 VRE Cx

 

Useful For/Utility

Screen for Vancomycin resistant Enterococcus

Methodology

Direct smear not performed.

Clinical Information

Infection and colonization of hospital patients with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) is a problem due to the lack of antimicrobials for treatment of VRE infections and the possibility of transfer of the Van A and Van B resistance genes to other gram positive organisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus.

Specimen Requirements

Whenever possible, culture specimens should be obtained before antibiotics or antimicrobial agents have been administered.

 

Specimen source is required.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

 

Specimen Type: Stool

Container/Tube: Liquid Amies Elution Swab (ESwab) Copan 480C, Copan 480CE

Specimen Volume: Liquid Amies Elution Swab (ESwab) Copan 480C, Copan 480CE

Collection Instructions: Collect stool or transfer from bedpan or plastic wrap stretched over toilet bowl.

Additional Information:

1. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

2. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

 

Specimen Type: Swab

Container/Tube: Culture transport

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect perirectal or rectal specimen using a sterile culture swab.

2. Return swab to transport tube and crush ampule. Dry swab is not acceptable.

Additional Information: Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient/Refrigerate NO/Frozen NO

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Performing Laboratory

Microbiology -

St. Joseph's Medical Center Lab

SMDC Clinical Lab, Virginia Hospital Lab

Fargo Hospital Lab

 

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87070

Additional CPT codes will be billed when appropriate.

Reference Values

 Approximately 48-72 hours to final report