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.

Shigella serotyping and biotyping

Enteric Reference Laboratory

Area

Health Science

Lab name

Enteric Reference Laboratory

Lab location

Wallaceville Science Centre, Upper Hutt

Test name

Shigella serotyping and biotyping

Organisms

Shigella species

Requested for surveillance

yes

Notice required

no

Routine turnaround time

10 days

Sample requirements

Pure culture

Media requirements

Nutrient agar slope

Pre-transport requirements

Ambient temperature

Transport requirements

Ambient temperature

Unacceptable sample types

Mixed cultures will not be tested

How results reported

The Shigella species and serotype identified is reported. For isolates of Shigella sonnei, a biotype is also reported based on biochemical reactions.Where PCR has been carried out the report will indicate the presence or absence of the vir A and ipai

Test form number

PHFS0647

Referral link

Download form