VANCOMYCIN RESISTANT ENTEROCOCCUS (VRE) SCREENING

Lab Section Category	Microbiology
Specimen Collection	Stool in screw-capped container, Rectal swab
Storage/Transport	• Specimen should reach the Microbiology Laboratory within 2 hours of collection. • If delay in transportation cannot be avoided, keep specimens at 2 to 8°C.
Methodology	Culture
Test Result	Negative: “No Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus species isolated.” Positive: “Enterococcus faecium (VRE)” “Enterococcus faecalis (VRE)”
Turnaround Time	Negative: 2 – 3 days Positive: 3 – 5 days* *Depending on the number and type of organism(s) isolated
Day(s) Test Set Up	Daily
Additional Information	For swab specimens, only eSwab with Amies media and dry (Dacron/Rayon) swab are acceptable.
Sample Rejection	Swabs soaked in saline.

Last Updated - 17 Jun 2025