Community associated diarrhoea or in hospital <3days; Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Enteroinvasive E.coli and Shigatoxin E.coli. Detection of less common pathogens eg Vibrio sp, is not routinely performed. If required, please provide relevant notes including risk factors.

Hospital or antibiotic associated diarrhoea in hospital >3days; Clostridium difficile etc.   Please provide relevant clinical notes and when diarrhoea began.

Rotavirus and Adenovirus Antigen tests are performed on faeces from children < 5 years.  If Rotavirus or Adenovirus are suspected in immunosuppressed patients, please consult Microbiology, ph:  9496 5295.

If Parasites are required Clinical Notes must include travel history +/or chronic diarrhoea +/or weight loss +/or eosinofhilia from FBE +/or overseas adoption   +/or past history of parasitic infection for parasite testing to be performed.

When the index of suspicion is high and when the organisms are not found in stool, duodenal contents should be examined.  Strongyloides serology should also be performed. 

Collect minimum 10 - 20 grams (approx 20 mL) faecal material (approx 1/3 full in container).  Should be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection, ideally within 4 hours

Haemorrhagic Colitis is caused by enterohaemorrhagic E. coli - call Microbiology for assistance in testing for this condition