Federal regulations permit the applicant/employee to request the split specimen that was collected at the time of the original specimen be sent to another laboratory for testing. This request should be made to the MRO within 72 hours of the employee being notified of the positive test result.
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli(STEC), also called verotoxinogenic E. coli, usually do not cause disease inanimals but may cause watery diarrhoea, haemorrhagic colitis, and/orhaemolytic uraemic syndrome in humans. Zoonotic STEC include the O157:H7strains and, with increasing frequency, certain non-O157 strains.
In addition to severe diarrhea, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious illness that may lead to kidney failure and even death if not treated properly. Tests for STEC are used to make an accurate diagnosis and help guide treatment. These tests may also be used to help recognize and track suspected outbreaks of STEC. Infections are often linked to the consumption of contaminated food or water, contact with farm animals or their environment, or person-to-person contact.