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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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VRE SCREEN, PCR

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB3268    Geisinger Epic ID:  43049

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Rectal swab or perianal swab


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
BBL CultureSwab Liquid Stuarts single or double swab
Copan Venturi Transystem Liquid Stuart single or double swab
Cepheid sample collection device
Specimen required: 

One swab.


Special notes: 

Check expiration date on transport device before use.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Transport temperature: 

Room temperature (2-30°C is acceptable)


Specimen stability: 

All swab types: 2-8°C for 5 days. Room temperature (15-25°C) for 24 hours.


Rejection criteria: 

Improperly labeled/identified specimens. Specimens which exceed stability limits. Expired collection device/swab. Collection of specimen with non-approved swabs. Improper specimen type.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

Negative. No vanA gene detected by PCR (Amplified Probe)


Critical values/courtesy alerts: 
Positive. vanA gene detected by PCR (Amplified Probe), Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus
CPT code(s):  87500
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

The direct detection of colonization of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci - VRE (vanA gene) to aid in the prevention and control of VRE infections in healthcare settings.


Methodology: 
Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Synonyms: 

VRE, Enterococci, Enterococcus, rectal, perianal, culture, screen, Vancomycin resistance, VRE, E. faecium, E. faecalis, VREP


Clinical significance: 

Colonization with vanA (VRE) has been shown to be a significatant risk factor for transmission of VRE to other hospitalized or institutionalized patients.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Donna Wolk PhD, D(ABMM)
Julie Hirschhorn, PhD, HCLD(ABB)
Review Date:  12/31/2024

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