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Supply Constraints Affecting Enteric Bacterial Panel by PCR Testing
Special Communication
Due to supply constraints related to COVID-19, Enteric Bacterial Panel by PCR (STLPCR) testing is in extremely limited supply.
To continue facilitating enteric pathogen testing, all enteric pathogen testing stool specimens must be sent in Cary-Blair transport media.
Fresh stool samples in sterile containers will not be able to be tested until further notice.
While supplies are constrained, culture and antigen testing will be used in place of PCR testing to interrogate specimens for the same pathogens as STLPCR: Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC/EHEC).
Cleveland Clinic Laboratories will temporarily cancel and credit any STLPCR test requests, then substitute clinically-equivalent culture and antigen testing.
The associated CPT codes for these substitutions are:
• 87449 (x 2)
• 87045
If you have any questions about this change, please contact Client Services for assistance.
