GENERAL NOTES
FAECAL PATHOGEN PCR: Request "Faecal Pathogen PCR" which is now available and detects all of the following:
BACTERIAL pathogens: Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Shigella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica
VIRAL pathogens: Rotavirus A, Adenovirus, Astrovirus, Sapovirus, Norovirus 1 & 2
PARASITES: Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium parvum/hominis and Entamoeba histolytica.
If other parasites or helminths are suspected, please request "Concentrated parasite stain for OCP".
If urgent on weekends contact the laboratory where an EIA for Adenovirus and Rotavirus, or Cryptosporidium and Giardia can be performed. Please note that the PCR is more sensitive.
PCR testing is performed Monday-Saturday. Samples received before 7am will be tested on the same day, if received after 7am samples will be tested on the next testing day. If PCR testing is required urgently out-of-hours, please contact the microbiology laboratory on 3163-8168.
