STEC Testing

E. coli Testing

Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli Specimen Collection and Transport

No cost associated with this testing.

1. Acceptable specimens:
   • Isolates on agar slants
   • Stool in a preservative such as Cary Blair transport media
2. Isolates must be received at the lab above 0˚C. Stool specimens must be received at the lab between 2-8˚C.
3. All specimen types must arrive at the lab within 5 days of collection.

If raw stool must be submitted, it must be frozen within 2 hours of collection and specimens must ship on dry ice and arrive at the lab still frozen.

Appropriate agar medium slant in tube with screw-cap tightened or a stool sample in a preservative such as Cary Blair medium.

Complete submission form on LimsNet and include a copy of the LimsNet coversheet with the sample.

• Isolates/stool samples WILL NOT be accepted unless properly entered into LimsNet.
• Confirm the isolate or stool container is appropriately labeled with 2 identifiers, such as the patient’s full name and DOB. Date of isolation, suspected species, and a unique identifier are also recommended.
• Confirm the information on the container is identical to the information entered into LimsNet.

Check expiration date of tube to ensure the product is acceptable and will continue to be acceptable once received at the IDOH Laboratory.

1. If the sample is known to be Shiga Toxin-Producing or is strongly suspected to be in this group, then the isolate must be labeled and shipped as a Category A Infectious Substance and must be packaged in accordance with all federal shipping regulations.
2. Complete the Shippers Declaration for Dangerous Goods Documentation and include at least three copies on the outside of the package.
3. Tighten the sample culture tube or primary stool container cap. Wrap parafilm around the cap to help prevent any leakage of the sample.
4. Wrap the labeled specimen tube with absorbent material and place in the inner (primary) shipping canister.
5. Place LimsNet submission cover page in outer container or in plastic bag to prevent contamination from specimen.
6. Place the inner shipping canister and submission cover page into the outer (secondary) shipping canister.
7. The outside of the package must be clearly labeled with the Category A, Infectious Substance label, and with the designation “UN 2814 Infectious Substance”.
8. Specimens should be shipped to arrive at IDOH Monday through Friday. It is not recommended to ship specimens which will be in transit over the weekend or holiday.
9. Stool specimens in Cary Blair should be stored between 2-8˚C until time of shipment.
10. Specimen temperature requirements must be maintained during shipping. Insulated shipping boxes with frozen ice packs are necessary for stool specimens.
11. Ship to:
    Attn: Enterics Laboratory
    Indiana Department of Health Laboratory
    550 W 16^th St Suite B
    Indianapolis, IN 46202
    317-921-5500

Email: mhindenlang@health.in.gov

Reporting Method: LimsNet
TAT: 3-12 business days.
Test Referral:  Isolates may be forwarded to the CDC or regional lab for additional testing. Projected TAT listed above does not account for time required for forwarded isolates.