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Test Code LAB3667 GI PATHOGENS BY PCR

Important Note

MEMO: December 12, 2024

TO: Healthcare Providers  FROM:  Sharon Reams MT(ASCP)

SUBJECT:     GI Pathogen PCR Test Discontinued

As of 1/1/2025 we will no longer be offering the GI Pathogen PCR test.

In place of that, in-house, we offer the Stool Culture, Giardia Antigen, C. difficile Toxigenic Assay, and C. difficile PCR (if clinically indicated). Send out tests for Ova & Parasites, Adenovirus PCR and Norovirus PCR are also available. By selecting these tests, your patient will be covered for the most common pathogens in our area. 

If there are any questions, please contact:

Dr. Cynthia Maree (MD) Medical Director: Infectious Diseases, Infection Prevention, Caregiver Health, and Antimicrobial Stewardship St. Charles Health Care

CLMaree@StCharlesHealthCare.org

Sharon Reams MT(ASCP) Lab Manager of Operations 541-706-2798

TEST update: As of October 15, 2024, the GI Pathogens by PCR panel will no longer include C. difficile testing.  For this pathogen, please order LAB1290, "C. difficile PCR".

Additional Codes

Internal: 31642

External: GIPCR

Beaker: LAB3667

PERFORMED AT

SBH LABORATORY

Specimen Requirements

Container Type: Vial containing enteric transport media
Specimen Type: Feces
Preferred Volume: > 1 ml
Emergency Minimum Volume: 0.2 mL (200 uL)
Collection Procedure: Collect stool sample in enteric transport medium or Cary Blair. If fresh stool is submitted, it must be transferred to a Cary Blair or ETM vial within 2 hrs of collection. If less than 1ml of fresh stool is submitted, when transferring to the ETM vial, the ratio of media to stool must be 2:1.  Discard enough media prior to placing stool in the vial to ensure this ratio is achieved.
Specimen Processing: Store and Transport refrigerated
Required Patient Info: Specimen source
Stability:

Fresh Stool: Room Temperature for 2 hours

Cary Blair or ETM: 4 days Refrigerated or Room Temperature

Frozen Stool: Unacceptable

Unacceptable Condition: Samples that have been frozen or exposed to excessive heat; specimens contaminated with water, or soap. Fresh stool not transferred to a Cary Blair or ETM vial within 2 hrs of collection. 

Method

Polymerase Chain Reaction

Synonyms

Stool, Enteric, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, Shiga Toxin, E. coli 0157, STEC, Giardia, Norovirus, Cryptosporidium. C. difficile

Department

Microbiology

Test Schedule

Daily

Test Includes

Campylobacter, Clostridium difficile toxin A/B, Plesiomonas shigelloides, Salmonella, Vibrio, Vibrio cholera, Yersinia enterocilitica, Shigella, E. coli O157, Shiga-like toxin producing E. coli, Enteroinvasive E. coli, Enteroaggregative E. coli, Enteropathogenic E. coli, Enterotoxigenic E. coli, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Adenovirus F40/41, Astrovirus, Norovirus GI/GII, Rotavirus A, Sapovirus

Turnaround Time

Test performed: Sunday to Saturday 06:30 to 17:00.  TAT: 2 hours

CPT Codes / Price Quote Codes / Billing Information

Cpt Code: 87507

Price Quote Code:

3060087507 x1 HC GASTROINTESTINAL PATHOGEN 12-25 TARGETS [87507 (CPT®)]

 

Medicare (CMS) guidance for the outpatient www.csms.gov:

LCD - Gastrointestinal Pathogen (GIP) Panels Utilizing Multiplex Nucleic Amplification Techniques (NAATs) (L38229) (cms.gov).

Article - Billing and Coding: Gastrointestinal Pathogen (GIP) Panels Utilizing Multiplex Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques (NAATs)

When ordering the GI Pathogen by PCR on patients with Medicare coverage, and the medical necessity criteria is not met, it is the responsibility of the ordering provider to share with their patient and obtain a signed waiver, Advanced Beneficiary notice (ABN), prior to the patient collecting this stool sample.  This allows the beneficiary to make an informed decision to be financial responsibility.  Patient responsibly, varies based on their insurance coverage. 

CPT 87507 - Iadna-dna/rna probe tq 12-25