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Infection control screen – detection of Carbapenemase Producing Organisms (CPO)

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Surveillance cultures for the detection of Gram-negative organisms producing carbapenemase enzymes
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Bacteriology
Specimen Type	○ Rectal swab ○ Other clinical swab from suspected site of colonization ○ Environmental swab

Other Information

○ This test is available upon request for surveillance purposes only.

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Swab in Amies transport medium (eSwab)

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 72h

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4432

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).