Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel
CPT Code(s):
87507
Turnaround Time:
48 - 72 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Stool
Minimum Volume:
15.0 mL
Transport Container:
Para - Pak Vial or Cary Blair
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Collect stool in plastic container and transfer to Para Pak sampling kit or send directly to lab in plastic container.
Rejection Criteria:
Specimen not received in Cary - Blair preservative medium; specimen vial leaking; specimen >96 hours since collection; frozen specimen; rectal swab; specimen below fill line on container (underfilled); container overfilled above line on label
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
72 hours
Refrigerated:
72 hours
Frozen:
Unacceptable
Clinical Significance
The Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel (GIPP) test holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the evaluation of patients with gastrointestinal symptoms or suspected gastrointestinal infections. GIPP utilizes molecular techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to simultaneously detect and identify a wide range of pathogens that can cause gastrointestinal infections.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of GIPP include:
1. Comprehensive Detection of Pathogens: GIPP allows for the simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens that can cause gastrointestinal infections, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It offers a comprehensive approach to identify the causative agents responsible for the patient's symptoms and facilitates targeted treatment.
2. Rapid Diagnosis: GIPP provides fast and accurate results, enabling timely diagnosis and appropriate management of gastrointestinal infections. The test allows healthcare providers to identify the pathogens quickly, which is especially important in cases where prompt treatment can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, prevent complications, and limit the spread of infectious diseases.
3. Differential Diagnosis: Gastrointestinal symptoms can arise from various causes, including infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or other non-infectious conditions. GIPP helps differentiate infectious causes from non-infectious etiologies, assisting healthcare providers in narrowing down the potential causes of the patient's symptoms and guiding further diagnostic and treatment decisions.
4. Infection Control Measures: Gastrointestinal infections can be highly contagious, posing a risk of transmission in healthcare settings, schools, and community settings. GIPP aids in identifying specific pathogens responsible for the infection, allowing healthcare providers to implement appropriate infection control measures to prevent further spread and protect vulnerable individuals.
5. Antibiotic Stewardship: Rapid identification of the causative pathogens through GIPP can guide targeted antibiotic therapy, minimizing the inappropriate use of antibiotics. The test helps identify pathogens that are susceptible or resistant to specific antibiotics, facilitating more precise and effective antibiotic treatment and reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.
6. Surveillance and Outbreak Investigations: GIPP plays a crucial role in surveillance programs and outbreak investigations. By identifying specific pathogens responsible for gastrointestinal infections, the test helps public health authorities monitor and respond to outbreaks, implement appropriate preventive measures, and track the prevalence of specific pathogens in the community.
It is important to note that the interpretation of GIPP results requires clinical correlation with the patient's symptoms, medical history, and other diagnostic information. Additionally, confirmatory tests or further investigations may be necessary to confirm the presence of certain pathogens or rule out other underlying conditions.
In summary, Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel has specific clinical significance in the comprehensive detection of gastrointestinal pathogens, rapid diagnosis, differential diagnosis, infection control measures, antibiotic stewardship, and surveillance and outbreak investigations. By utilizing molecular techniques to identify a wide range of pathogens, this test provides valuable information for clinical decision-making, guiding targeted treatment, and improving patient care outcomes related to gastrointestinal infections.