What are the other Names for this Test? (Equivalent Terms)

• E. Coli Shiga-Like Toxin Stool Test
• ECSLT AG Blood Test

What is Escherichia Coli Shiga-Like Toxin Stool Test? (Background Information)

• Shiga-like toxin is a compound produced by certain strains of Escherichia coli, or E. coli bacteria. It causes intestinal and kidney disturbances, including bloody diarrhea and hemolytic-uremic syndrome, especially in children
• Shiga-like toxin is so named because of its similarity to the disease-causing shiga toxin, which is produced by the bacterium Shigella dysenteriae
• Shiga-like toxin harms cells by entering them and interfering with their ability to produce proteins. Because of the importance of protein production to proper cell functioning, these cells rapidly die
• E. coli generally resides in the warm, oxygen-scarce environment of the intestines. Thus, cells typically attacked by Shiga-like toxin include cells of the intestines and kidneys
• The Escherichia Coli Shiga-Like Toxin Stool Test is a test to detect Shiga-like toxin released by E. coli into the stool. It is used to diagnose infection with a pathogenic form of E. coli that is capable of producing Shiga-like toxin

What are the Clinical Indications for performing the Escherichia Coli Shiga-Like Toxin Stool Test?

Following are the clinical indications for performing the Escherichia Coli Shiga-Like Toxin Stool Test:

• Bloody diarrhea
• Nausea, vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Cramping
• Swelling
• Altered mental status

How is the Specimen Collected for Escherichia Coli Shiga-Like Toxin Stool Test?

Following is the specimen collection process for Escherichia Coli Shiga-Like Toxin Stool Test:

Sample required: Stool

Process: Defecation into a sterile container.

Preparation required: No special preparation is needed prior to the test.

What is the Significance of the  Escherichia Coli Shiga-Like Toxin Stool Test Result?

• A positive Escherichia Coli Shiga-Like Toxin Stool Test indicates infection with a pathogenic form of E. coli capable of producing Shiga-like toxin
• A positive test result is associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)

The laboratory test results are NOT to be interpreted as results of a "stand-alone" test. The test results have to be interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and additional supplemental tests/information. Your healthcare providers will explain the meaning of your tests results, based on the overall clinical scenario.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information:

• Escherichia coli exist in the bacterial population of healthy people. However, only certain strains of E. coli are capable of producing Shiga-like toxin
• Furthermore, this test only detects the presence of Shiga-like toxin, and not the strain of E. coli that produced it

Certain medications that you may be currently taking may influence the outcome of the test. Hence, it is important to inform your healthcare provider of the complete list of medications (including any herbal supplements) you are currently taking. This will help the healthcare provider interpret your test results more accurately and avoid unnecessary chances of a misdiagnosis.

Please visit our Laboratory Procedures Center for more physician-approved health information:

http://www.dovemed.com/common-procedures/procedures-laboratory/