Infectious Diarrhea Panel
LifeLabs is launching the Infectious Diarrhea Panel (IDP) on September 18, 2023.
This test is available in British Columbia only; it is part of a provincial initiative to move to panel-based molecular gastrointestinal testing
What is the Infectious Diarrhea Panel?
The Infectious Diarrhea Panel (IDP) is a molecular panel test that replaces three separate tests for stool culture, O&P and C.difficile.
It tests over 14 of the most common viruses, bacteria and protozoa that cause diarrhea.
Benefits
- IDP is more sensitive than culture and microscopy.
- Results will generally be available sooner.
- A single collection swab instead of three different containers is more convenient for patients.
IDP is more comprehensive – it detects the most common viral causes of diarrhea including:
- Viruses: Rotavirus A, Norovirus GI/GII, Adenovirus 40/41, Astrovirus
- Bacteria: Salmonella species, Shigella species, Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC), Yersinia enterocolitica and pseudotuberculosis,
Campylobacter jejuni and coli, Aeromonas species, Vibrio species (including toxigenic Vibrio cholerae), Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), Clostridioides difficile - Parasites: Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium parvum and hominis, Giardia species, Cyclospora cayetanensis
The entire Province of BC has moved toward this technology. Please refer to BC GPAC Infectious Diarrhea Guidelines
How to Order a Test
Stool samples should be collected (visit Patient Test Instructions – under the section “Stool Collection” > “Stool Fecal Swab” ) with a single fecal swab sample that replaces multiple different stool collection devices:
Note: Any orders for Stool for C&S or O&P will automatically be substituted with the IDP.
If you require collection devices, please download an order form by visiting our supplies order forms page.
Fill out lab requisition
Order the test by writing in IDP or Infectious Diarrhea Panel in the OTHER TESTS section of the standard lab requisition
Things to Know
- Although comprehensive, the IDP does not test for everything. If you are concerned about a particular organism that the IDP does not cover, please contact the Medical Microbiologist on call at 1-800-431-7206.
- IDP does not test for worms/helminths. Worms usually do not cause diarrhea. However, if you have a patient where there is a concern for enteric worm infection, please order this separately by writing in OTHER TESTS “Stool Microscopy” . Stool for microscopy must be collected in a formalin fixative (SAF) container. If you do not have these at your office, you can order them from LifeLabs or send your patient to your local Patient Service Centre with a signed lab requisition and the appropriate container will be provided.
Customer Support
For additional questions or concerns, please contact our Customer Care Centre.