ETERROTOXIGENIC E. COLI (ETEC) BY PCR

ETERROTOXIGENIC E. COLI (ETEC) BY PCR is a molecular diagnostic test that detects the presence of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli by identifying its toxin genes using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The assay specifically targets heat‑labile (LT) and heat‑stable (ST) toxin gene markers in stool specimens, offering high sensitivity and specificity compared with conventional culture methods.

This test is used to confirm ETEC as the cause of acute secretory diarrhea—commonly seen in travellers’ diarrhoea, foodborne outbreaks, and vulnerable patients such as young children or the immunocompromised. Touch Connect provides home sample collection and UAE‑wide pickup with certified laboratory analysis and timely digital reporting, enabling rapid clinical decisions and public‑health actions across Dubai and the UAE.

• Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) — presence/absence
• Heat‑labile toxin gene (LT / elt)
• Heat‑stable toxin gene (ST / est)
• Internal amplification control (PCR quality control)
• Sample integrity / stool adequacy

• Acute watery diarrhoea, especially with abdominal cramps
• Travelers returning from high‑risk regions with diarrhoea
• Severe, prolonged or persistent diarrhoea (>48 hours)
• Suspected foodborne outbreak or cluster of cases
• Dehydration or diarrhoea in young children, elderly, or immunocompromised patients

• Rapid and highly sensitive PCR detection of ETEC toxin genes
• Home stool sample collection with UAE‑wide courier pickup (including Dubai)
• Certified laboratory processing and secure digital results delivery
• Supports targeted clinical management and public‑health outbreak response
• Reduces diagnostic uncertainty compared with culture alone

• Stool specimen collected using the provided collection kit (avoid urine contamination)
• Avoid antibiotics for 48–72 hours prior if clinically safe and as advised by your doctor
• Keep the sample refrigerated and return within the recommended time frame using the provided carrier
• Caregiver assistance required for infants and non‑ambulatory patients; available for all ages