Infection control screen – detection of Resistant Gram-negative bacilli

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Surveillance cultures for the identification of carriage, cross-transmission or environmental source of drug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli, including Serratia marcescens
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Bacteriology
Specimen Type	○ Rectal swab ○ Other clinical swab from suspected site of colonization ○ Environmental swab

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Rectal or other 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 6 days

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4541

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 in transport of more than 2h is anticipated, keep swab at refrigeration temperature (2-8˚C).