Community associated diarrhoea or in hospital < 3 days: Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Enteroinvasive E.coli and Shigatoxin E.coli. Detection of less common pathogens e.g. Vibrio sp, is not routinely performed. If required, please provide relevant notes including risk factors.
Hospital or antibiotic associated diarrhoea in hospital > 3 days: Clostridium difficile etc. Please provide relevant clinical notes and when diarrhoea began.
If Parasites are required Clinical Notes must include travel history +/or chronic diarrhoea +/or weight loss +/or eosinophilia from FBE +/or overseas adoption +/or past history of parasitic infection for parasite testing to be performed.
Rotavirus and Adenovirus Antigen tests are performed on faeces from children < 5 years. If Rotavirus or Adenovirus are suspected in immunosuppressed patients, please consult Microbiology, ph: 03 9496 5295.
When the index of suspicion is high and when the organisms are not found in stool, duodenal contents should be examined. Strongyloides serology should also be performed.
For Strongyloides Culture, please see test specific info here.
Haemorrhagic Colitis is caused by enterohaemorrhagic E. coli - call Microbiology (03 9496 5295) for assistance in testing for this condition
