Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) PCR
Overview | |
|---|---|
| Department | Microbiology - Molecular |
| Test Code | AMRS |
| Synonyms | Vancomycin resistant Enterococci
VRE vanA vanB |
| Availability | Monday - Thursday 8 am - 4 pm
Friday 8 am -12 pm |
| Turnaround Time | Monday – Thursday: 24 hours
Friday – Sunday: End of day Monday |
| Stability - Add test | |
Specimen Requirements | |
| Specimen | Swab |
| Preferred | Rectal swab in liquid Amies (E-Swab™) |
| Acceptable | |
| Unacceptable | Leaking samples
Unlabelled Samples |
| Specimen Transportation | ASAP to Laboratory, If there is a delay in getting sample to the laboratory (≥24 hours), please store sample chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius) |
| Paediatric Requirements | Rectal swab in liquid Amies (E-Swab™) |
Aliquot Requirements | |
| Sample Type | |
| Preferred Volume | |
| Minimum Volume | |
| Aliquot Requirements | |
Clinical Information | |
| Reference Intervals | Results reported as
- “vanA and vanB genes NOT detected.” OR - “Culture report to follow” |
| Test Method | Real Time PCR for the specific detection and differentiation of vanA and vanB genes that can be associated with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). |
| Advanced Notice | Not required |
| Patient Preparation | |
Comments | |
| Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are recognized as significant nosocomial pathogens. VRE are hospital adapted and highly transmissible pathogens,
with nearly all VRE infections occurring in patients with health-care exposure. As the major reservoir of VRE are colonized hospital patients and transmission between patients can occur on the hands and clothing of healthcare workers, rapid and accurate VRE screening is crucial in preventing the spread of this organism within a health care facility. Bacteria other than Enterococci are known to harbour these genes, in the instance of vanA or vanB detection traditional microbiological culture investigations must be conducted to confirm or rule out the presence of VRE if either gene is detected. Multi-drug resistant organisms, ESBL and CPO testing may be carried out on the same swab. | |
| Owner | Melanie Williams (Williams1) |
|---|---|
| Last reviewed | 12.09.2025 |
| Next review | 12.09.2026 (Overdue) |