The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) has changed its name to the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) as of 1 July 2025. The website address is now www.phfscience.nz. Visitors are automatically redirected to the new address. Please check and update any links and bookmarks.

Escherichia coli shiga-toxin gene detection and serotyping

Enteric Reference Laboratory

Area

Health Science

Lab name

Enteric Reference Laboratory

Lab location

NCBID Wallaceville

Test name

Escherichia coli shiga-toxin gene detection and serotyping

Organisms

E. coli

Turnaround

10 days

Requested for surveillance

yes

Notice required

no

Sample requirements

Pure culture. Mixed cultures may be referred for toxin testing if VTEC infection is suspected and the case meets the criteria described under the Details section below.

Media requirements

Nutrient agar slope for cultures

Pre-transport requirements

Ambient temperature

Transport requirements

Ambient temperature

How results reported

If positive: E. coli serotype and toxin/virulence genes profile. If negative, the isolate will be reported as negative for verocytotoxin.

Referral link

Form