Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) – Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis
Specimen Requirements
| Test Requested | Required Requisition(s) | Specimen Type | Minimum Volume | Collection Kit |
VRE PFGE Typing1,2 |
Pure bacterial culture of pathogen4 (VRE) in appropriate agar |
N/A |
Submission and Collection Notes
VRE PFGE typing is performed for outbreak investigations only.
Molecular typing for other special circumstances must be approved by a PHOL microbiologist; contact PHOL customer service at 416-235-6556 or 1-877-604-4567.
Include the outbreak number and index case if applicable on the requisition.
Include on the requisition the specimen type from which the pathogen is isolated.
Storage and Transport
Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.
Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)
The VRE PFGE test is performed daily Monday to Friday.
Turnaround time is up to 13 days from receipt by the PHO laboratory.
All VRE submissions are confirmed as such prior to PFGE testing.
Reporting
Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.
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