Aculabs is pleased to announce our newest offering; a molecular diagnostic test for the direct qualitative detection and differentiation of enteric pathogens performed on the BD MAXTM Molecular system.

Acute Gastroenteritis affects 1 in 6 Americans, causing approximately 179 million outpatient visits, 500,000 hospitalizations and >5,000 deaths each year.  Pathogens causing Infectious Gastroenteritis are primarily bacteria, viruses or parasites.  Many of these pathogens are seasonal in terms of prevalence with bacterial and parasitic infections more common in warm months and viral infections in colder months. Implementation of timely and accurate detection of organisms can improve patient management and antimicrobial stewardship, and improve infection control and decrease infection transmission.

The BD MAX™ molecular enteric suite tests for the detection of gastrointestinal bacteria, or viral pathogens which enable clinicians to perform targeted testing for patients based upon their symptoms and health history or exposure. This testing approach is supported by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines. Compared to more generalized tests, this test provides the most clinically useful and necessary information to better diagnose and treat patients.

Aculabs will be offering 2 panels:

  1. Enteric Bacterial Panel that detects Salmonella, Campylobacter spp. (jejuni & coli), Shigella spp., and stx1 & stx2 genes from Shiga-toxin producing organisms. These pathogens are responsible for causing approximately 95% of Bacterial Gastroenteritis.  The CDC has recommended Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) screening for all stool cultures. Additionally, the Joint Commission (formerly JCAHO) has required screening for STEC for all stool cultures. Treating patients infected with STEC with certain antimicrobials may result in the development of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) which in some cases may be fatal.  Rapid and accurate results ensure appropriate treatment for these patients.
  2. The Enteric Viral Panel is designed for targeted detection of the viral cause of infectious diarrhea symptoms in all care settings and can detect norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus, human astrovirus, and sapovirus.  Acute viral gastroenteritis can be contracted by virtually any patient and spread within close community settings such as daycare centers, nursing facilities, and cruise ships. Norovirus is the most common viral cause and accounts for 19 to 21 million cases of diarrheal illness annually in the United States, and 50 percent of all foodborne diarrheal outbreaks. Other viral causes include rotavirus, adenovirus, astrovirus, and sapovirus to varying degrees of prevalence. Diagnosing the underlying cause of diarrhea can play a critical role in patient management to isolate patients at risk of spreading infectious diarrhea to others and rule out other causes of infection in children, the elderly or immunocompromised patients.

Specimen requirements: There will be no changes to existing sample types accepted by the laboratory or collection requirements.

Storage: up to 24 hours at room temperature or up to 5 days at 2-8°C.

Performed: The testing will be performed daily with the same-day reporting.