E. coli 0157 Serology

Sample sent to PHE Colindale GBRU referral laboratory for testing for the presence of antibodies to the lipopolysaccharide of Vero cytotoxin producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) O157 and a limited number of other VTEC. This may be helpful in the diagnosis of a clinical syndrome, such as Haemolytic Uraemic syndrome (HUS) or Thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura, suggestive of a recent infection with a VTEC organism. Direct isolation of the organism from a suitable culture is the most convincing diagnostic tool but may not be possible by the time patients present with HUS. Please Note: If a patient has undergone renal dialysis or received a blood transfusion, this can adversely affect tests for detecting antibodies to E. coli 0157. Please provide information on request if any of these treatments have been performed. This assay is available routinely Mon to Fri.