Is there anyone out there using the Meridian Immunocard STAT EHEC? If so, how is it performing and do you like it?

Thank you for your input,

Sharon

Sorry to be stupid but what is this?

Shiga toxin testing for E.coli 0157.

Sharon,

We looked at several kits (Meridian EIA microwell, Meridian EIA Card & Prospect EIA microwell). They all worked well but we haven't choosen one kit yet...still working on implementation into workflow. GN incubation vs regular culture times, cost and need to have isolate for State Lab surveillance are some issues to work out. - Regards, JC

Jason,

Thank you for your response. I too am working on cost and integrating the GN broth into workflow. Our State lab will accept the broth, so that is one small thing taken care of. Will you be dropping the SMAC plate from the stool culture after implementation?

Sharon Reams

Microbiolgy Coordinator

St. Charles Medical Center

Bend, OR

sreams@stcharleshealthcare.org

Edited April 19, 201114 yr by sreams

Sharon,

Yes, SMAC plate, QC organisms...all that...and if we can get the CAMPY EIA to work as well, eliminate the CAMPY plate and automate both EIAs on a reader/washer (if your doing the microwell version). Which means changing CPT codes...

We've used the Meridian STEC for a while. We test from the GN broth. We've had a few positives, most have been non-0157 lately.

We are using BioFire's FilmArray and their Gastrointestinal Panel.  Pouch-based system which is blindingly good.  22 primary GI targets and looking for the gene expression for pathogenicity to avoid false positives particularly O157.

 

Turnaround time of one hour.  We love it.

 

http://filmarray.com/assets/pdf/Info-Sheet-GI-Panel-MRKT-PRT-0234-07.pdf

We have been using this for a few years. It picks up more than the O157.  Most of our positives have been other serotypes other than O157

We have been using this for a few years. It picks up more than the O157.  Most of our positives have been other serotypes other than O157

We have been using the Ehec from Meridian for a while. It does pick up other STEC serotypes other than O157, but not as much as the Alere test.

There have been some STEC missed using the Meridian because of the different serotypes. Plus the Alere you do not have do not have to incubate broth, it is direct from the specimen.

We are switching to Biofire shortly.