This FilmArray gastrointestinal panel is a multiplex PCR test capable of qualitatively detecting DNA or RNA of 22 pathogens (bacteria, parasites, and viruses) from stool in approximately 1 hour
Acute diarrheal syndromes are usually self-limiting, but may be complicated by dehydration, vomiting, and fever. Diagnostic testing and treatment may be required in some instances.
The FilmArray gastrointestinal panel is a multiplex PCR test capable of qualitatively detecting DNA or RNA of 22 pathogens (bacteria, parasites, and viruses) from stool in approximately 1 hour
This test is used to diagnose infection caused by Campylobacter species, Clostridium difficile, Plesiomonas shigelloides, Salmonella species, Vibrio species, Vibrio cholerae, Yersinia enterocolitica, enteroaggregative Escherichia coli, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Escherichia coli O157, Shigella/Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli, Cryptosporidium species, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, adenovirus F 40/41, astrovirus, norovirus, rotavirus, and sapovirus.
How to Use This Test
This panel should be used as a rapid and cost-effective diagnostic option in the following scenarios::
Community-acquired diarrhea that persists for 7 or more days
Travel-related diarrhea
Diarrhea with warning signs or risk factors for severe and life-threatening infections, especially in immunocompromised hosts
Most patients with infectious causes of diarrhea will get better on their own, and therefore testing and treatment are not necessary.
Testing should generally be reserved for patients with prolonged symptoms or those with risk factors or warning signs for severe disease.
The new gastrointestinal pathogen panel is a rapid and cost-effective option for situations in which multiple tests would otherwise be performed.
Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) (PCR is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.)
Fecal - Specimen must arrive within 96 hours of collection.
Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed:
Monday through Sunday; Continuously
Analytic Time:
1 day
Brent Westra
Brent Westra is a Marketing Segment Manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories. He leads marketing strategies for product management and specialty testing along with new media innovations. Brent has worked at Mayo Clinic since 2011.
