Please collect stool for the Crypto/Giardia antigen test in 10% formalin. This container is the same pink vial used for the Ova&Parasite test. One pink vial can be used for both the Crypto/Giardia antigen test and the complete O&P test.
The Microbiology department opened in July of 2012. We are here to help you with all of your microbiology testing needs. In this guide you will find helpful information that is relative to everyday medical practices that result in a microbiology specimen. There is also information regarding specimen collection. Journals and E-books on various areas of Microbiology are easily accessible from this page as well. If you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to contact Melinda Lee, Microbiology Supervisor, at mlee1@health-quest.org or by phone 554-1180.
Performance of the Cepheid CT/NG Xpert Rapid PCR Test for Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Abstract
Tests for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which can provide results rapidly to guide therapeutic decision-making, offer patient care advantages over laboratory-based tests that require several days to provide results. We compared results from the Cepheid GeneXpert CT/NG (Xpert) assay to results from two currently approved nucleic acid amplification assays in 1,722 female and 1,387 male volunteers. Results for chlamydia in females demonstrated sensitivities for endocervical, vaginal, and urine samples of 97.4%, 98.7%, and 97.6%, respectively, and for urine samples from males, a sensitivity of 97.5%, with all specificity estimates being ≥ 99.4%. Results for gonorrhea in females demonstrated sensitivities for endocervical, vaginal, and urine samples of 100.0%, 100.0%, and 95.6%, respectively, and for urine samples from males, a sensitivity of 98.0%, with all estimates of specificity being ≥ 99.8%. These results indicate that this short-turnaround-time test can be used to accurately test patients and to possibly do so at the site of care, thus potentially improving chlamydia and gonorrhea control efforts
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Clostridium difficile is a bacterium commonly found in the intestinal tract but which, under the right circumstances such as after or during antibiotics therapy, can be the cause of enterocolitis. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.) |
Clostridium difficile PCR results
Testing performed daily in the Microbiology Lab at Vassar 554-1192
Negative Result Interpretation:
Clostridium difficile toxin B DNA not detected. Specimen (s) will be rejected if repeat interval is less than 7 days
Positive Result Interpretation:
Clostridium difficile toxin B DNA detected. Repeat testing should NOT be performed to test for resolution of disease. Repeat testing is ONLY indicated after 14 days of the initial positive result if new or recurrent diarrheal illness occurs.
Please note:
Formed stool specimens are not acceptable for Clostridium difficile testing.
Great article from CAP about swab usage for Micro specimens!
Knowledge Resources, Vassar Brothers Medical Center | 45 Reade Place, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 | Library: 845.437.3121 | vbmclibrary@health-quest.org | CME Inquiries: 845.483.6013 |