Out of 400 questionnaires on STEC/VTEC (Shiga toxin E. coli/Verotoxin E. coli) diagnostics, that were sent out at the beginning of June 1998 in the Federal Republic of Germany, 41 were returned by December 31 1998. Among 400 addresses, we reached private laboratories and universities as well as federal and state authorities and reference centers. Of these 41 responses, 30 are laboratories examining clinical specimens (stool samples) and 11 are laboratories testing food and veterinary specimens. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether clinical and veterinary laboratories perform the STEC/VTEC diagnostics according to the recommendations of the DGHM (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Hygiene und Mirkobiologie), the RKI (Robert Koch-Institut) and the BgVV (Bundesinstitut für gesundheitlichen Verbraucherschutz und Veterinärmedizin). The results of the questionnaire are presented and discussed.