Enteric Bacterial Isolate – Definitive Identification

Laboratory Fee Schedule
Procedure #: MAA0053A, MAA0054A
CPT: 87077

Synonym(s): Enteric pathogen, Fermentative Gram-negative rod, Salmonella, Shigella, Enterobacteriales
Requisition Form

G-2B for non-reportable organisms

Test Description Identification of Enteric Bacteria from pure isolates (including notifiable condition isolates that are REQUIRED to be submitted per Texas Administrative Code (TAC) chapter 97.) 
Pre-Approval Needed N/A
Supplemental Information Required N/A
Supplemental Form(s) N/A
Performed on Specimens from (sources) Human
Sample/Specimen Type for Testing

Pure isolate

Minimum Volume/Size Required

At least one viable colony

Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping

Store at ambient temperatures or refrigerated at 2–8°C until shipment.

Transport Medium

Any appropriate medium that supports growth of enteric bacteria

Specimen Labeling
  • At least two patient-specific identifiers required on specimen (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, Medical record number)
  • Three patient identifiers are preferred. 
  • Patient identifiers on specimen label must exactly match identifiers on submission form. (e.g., abbreviated name on label and full name on form is not acceptable.)
  • Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen labeling guidelines available online here.
Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements
  • Ship refrigerated at 2–8°C on cold packs for overnight delivery
  • Ship according to Dangerous Goods Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49.
  • Category B Biological Substance, UN3373 shipping requirements apply.
  • Handle as infectious agent using universal precautions. 
  • Triple-contain in accordance with federal shipping regulations. 
  • Submitters are responsible for packaging and shipping specimens according to regulatory requirements. 
  • Laboratory does not supply collection kits or shipping materials.
  • Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen shipping guidelines online here
  • Ship specimens overnight Monday-Thursday to avoid weekend deliveries.
Method
  • MALDI-TOF (mass spectrometry, Bacterial culture)
  • Reflex to PCR or whole genome sequencing (WGS) is dependent upon organism identified.
Turn-around Time 2-21 days
Interferences/Limitations
  • Specimen should be taken from patient prior to antimicrobial therapy. 
  • Organisms must be viable for culture studies 
  • Improper storage or shipping temperatures limit organism recovery.
Common Causes for Rejection
  • Incorrect specimen collection methods 
  • Mismatch(es) between patient identifiers on G-2B submission form and specimen label
  • Insufficient specimen growth
  • Improper shipping/storage conditions
  • Expired media or collection container
  • Discrepancies between G-2B submission form and specimen label 
  • Missing/Incomplete/Illegible submission form
Additional Information
  • Salmonellosis is a notifiable condition and Salmonella isolates are REQUIRED to be submitted to DSHS Laboratory per Texas Administrative Code (TAC) chapter 97. 
  • Shigellosis is a notifiable condition, however, Shigella spp. isolates are not required to be submitted to DSHS Laboratory. Shigella spp. submissions are welcome.
  • PCR and serotyping by WGS will be performed on received Shigella isolates. 
  • Mark the “IDEAS” box for the payor source in the G-2B submission form for all submitted isolates that are in the “required/requested” section of the submission form.