Test Directory

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE or CRE) screening

Containers - Adult

MWE Sterile Swab with Gel
20ml Universal Stool Container	Volume Range 2-3mls

Containers - Child

20ml Universal Stool Container	Volume Range 2-3mls

Laboratory Site

RIE

51 Little France Crescent
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA

Telephone (Bacteriology): 0131 242 6021 OOH Bleep 2900

SJH

Howden Road West
Howden
Livingston
West Lothian
EH54 6PP

Telephone (Bacteriology): 01506 52 3075 OOH contact RIE

Transport arrangements

Useful: In patients identified as being at higher risk for CPE colonisation as per HPS clinical risk assessment (inpatient outside of Scotland in last 12 months, patients who have received holiday dialysis outside Scotland in the last 12 months, or patients who have been close contact with someone colonised or infected with CPE in the last 12 months)

Transport as soon as is practicable.

Sample storage arrangements

Store at 4-6^oC

Special instructions for collection

A rectal swab should be taken using a routine bacteriology swab by inserting the swab into the rectum and rotating it gently, making sure faecal material is visible on the swab. The swab should then be put back into the transport medium container and sent to the microbiology laboratory for testing.

If it is not possible to take a rectal swab, a stool sample can be collected instead. The stool sample should be collected in the same way as for routine culture.

Patients with wounds or lesions should also have these swabbed and patients with a urinary catheter should have a catheter specimen of urine sent for testing. Rectal swabs are not suitable sample types for children and babies - please submit a stool specimen.

Routine culture of swabs and stool may miss these organisms - please take separate samples and send specifically for CPE screen.

How to request

Via Trak ("CPE Scren RIE/WGH/RHSC") or via request form, or GP comms, stating clearly for CPE screen.

Availability

24 hours (RIE), 0900-1700 (SJH)

Anticipated turnaround

Up to 5 days

What happens if the result is positive or abnormal

Electronically available.

General additional information

Patients who are identified as high risk should be managed as if CPE positive and should be isolated in a single room, preferably with en-suite facilities, until the result of the test is known. It is essential to consistently apply SICPs and contact TBPs as set out in the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual.