CPE Screening via rapid PCR
Clinical Background:
Carbapenems are a valuable family of antibiotics normally reserved for serious infections caused by drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (including Enterobacteriaceae). They include meropenem, ert...
Carbapenems are a valuable family of antibiotics normally reserved for serious infections caused by drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (including Enterobacteriaceae). They include meropenem, ertapenem, imipenem and doripenem. Carbapenemases are enzymes that destroy carbapenem antibiotics, conferring resistance. They are made by a small but growing number of Enterobacteriaceae strains. On admission, all patients are be asked if they have been in hospital overseas or outside the North East of England and Cumbria (in the last 12 months). If so they are screened for CPE by examing faeces samples/rectal swab.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Microbiology
Microbiology
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Specimen Container Adult:
Scoop faeces in to universal container using intergrated spoon. Alternatively, rectal swabs can be used provided faecal material is evident on the swab.
Scoop faeces in to universal container using intergrated spoon. Alternatively, rectal swabs can be used provided faecal material is evident on the swab.
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Scoop faeces in to universal container using intergrated spoon. Alternatively, rectal swabs can be used provided faecal material is evident on the swab.
Scoop faeces in to universal container using intergrated spoon. Alternatively, rectal swabs can be used provided faecal material is evident on the swab.
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Minimum Volume Adult:
Quarter Full Container
Quarter Full Container
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
Quarter Full Container
Quarter Full Container
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Special Requirement:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
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Sample Stability:
Stable for up to 24 hours
Stable for up to 24 hours
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Transport Requirements:
Standard
Standard
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Quality Assurance:
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme
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Interpretation:
Interpretative comments are added to reports where applicable
Interpretative comments are added to reports where applicable
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Factors Affecting Result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
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Referenced Documents:
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI P 8)
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI P 8)