Infection control screen – detection Vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE)

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Surveillance cultures for the detection of colonization by vancomycin resistant enterococci (Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium)
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Bacteriology
Specimen Type	○ Rectal swab ○ Other site of suspected VRE carriage (non-nasal or axilla)

Other Information

○ Nasal and axilla swabs will not be processed for VRE detection

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Sterile swab in Amies transport medium

Collection Requirements

○ Moisten a sterile swab and rotate in the rectum or other site of suspected infection or colonization. Place the swab in Amies transport medium for transport

Sample Stability

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery

Referral Laboratory

In-house

Routine Turnaround Time

○ Up to 48 hours

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4542

Approval Required

Sample Processing / Delivery

○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

○ Transport specimen to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory at room temperature (20-25˚C). If a delay of more than 2h in transport is anticipated, keep swab at refrigeration temperature (2-8˚C).