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Department

Microbiology

Preferred Sample Type

Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE)

Suitable Specimen Types

  • Liquid Swab
Place swab in tube and send full volume of liquid provided.

Sample Preparation

If unable to send immediately please refrigerate sample

Turnaround Time

3 days

Sample Stability

Specimen kept for 1 week

Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE)

General Information

Screening for vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) by culture is undertaken using Copan Eswabs (pink topped liquid based swabs). Please put "VRE screen" on the request form.

Patient Preparation

Rectal swabs

  • • Gently insert the tip of the swab into rectum 3-4 cms rotate gently and remove.
  • • There should be visible faecal material on the swab.
  • • Place the swab back in the plastic tube and break off at swab break point

Notes

Order liquid swabs from requisition forms provided to your department.

Specifications

  • EQA Scheme?: Yes
  • EQA Status: NEQAS