CARBAPENEM-RESISTANT ENTEROBACTERIACEAE (CRE) SCREENING

Lab Section Category	Microbiology
Specimen Collection	Rectal swab
Storage/Transport	• Specimen should reach the Microbiology Laboratory as soon as possible, at room temperature. • If delay in transportation cannot be avoided, specimens must be kept at 2 to 8°C.
Methodology	Culture
Test Result	Negative: “No carbapenemase producing Enterobacterales isolated” Positive: “Carbapenemase producing Enterobacterales (CP) Organism(s) reported with CRE gene(s)”
Turnaround Time	Negative: 2 – 4 days Positive: 3 – 5 days* *Depending on the number and type of organism(s) isolated
Day(s) Test Set Up	Daily
Additional Information	Only eSwab with Amies media is acceptable.
Sample Rejection	Leaked specimens and use of other swab types.

Last Updated - 09 Mar 2026