Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Carbapenems are a valuable family of antibiotics normally reserved for serious infections caused by drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (including Enterobacterales). They include meropenem, ertapenem, imipenem and doripenem.
Carbapenemases are enzymes that destroy carbapenem antibiotics, conferring resistance. They are made by a small but growing number of Enterobacterales strains and some other Gram negative bacilli. On admission, all patients are be asked if they have been in hospital overseas or outside the North East of England and Cumbria (in the last 12 months). If so they are screened for CPE by examining faeces samples or rectal swab.
Specimen container paediatric:
Scoop faeces in to Universal using integrated spoon. Alternatively, rectal swabs can be used provided faecal material is evident on the swab.
Specimen container adult:
Scoop faeces in to Universal using integrated spoon. Alternatively, rectal swabs can be used provided faecal material is evident on the swab.
Minimum volume paediatric:
Quarter full (Universal)
Minimum volume adult:
Quarter full (Universal)
Special requirements:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C.
Sample stability:
Stable for up to 24 hrs.
Transport requirements:
Standard
Add on test:
N/A
Quality assurance:
- UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)
- External Quality Assurance Scheme: LabQuality
Interpretation:
Interpretative comments are added to reports where applicable
Reference ranges:
N/A
Factors affecting result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
Referenced documents:
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI B 60)
Other Info:
N/A