Pre-Approval Required
None
Supplemental Information or Form
Form Lab 416 is required for submission of samples. Case history, travel history, and submitterās identification are required information fields.
Performed on Specimens From
Human source
Acceptable Sample/Specimen Type for Testing
Human stool specimens collected fresh, fresh frozen, in Cary Blair transport media, or preserved in Zn-PVA (polyvinyl alcohol), and human liver aspirates or biopsies (for E. histolytica).
Minimum Volume Required
0.5 g (solid stool or tissue biopsy) or 0.5 mL (liquid)
Storage & Preservation of Sample/Specimen Prior to Shipping
Store blood at 4Ā°C; slides at ambient temperature.
Storage & Preservation of Sample/Specimen Prior to Shipping
Specimens collected in the absence of preservatives must be kept refrigerated (4 Ā°C) or frozen. Stool samples in a PCR-compatible fixative, e.g. Zn- PVA can be kept at room temperature.
Transport
If stool specimens are shipped in Cary Blair Transport Medium, send these within 3 days of collection.
Ship fixed/preserved specimens at room temperature. Ship unpreserved specimens on wet ice (cold pack) if stored refrigerated or frozen (on dry ice) if stored frozen.
Sample/Specimen Labeling
Test subject to CLIA regulations require two patient identifiers on the specimen container and the test requisition. Patient name must be on the specimen container; additional acceptable identifiers include submitterās accession number, patient ID, and date of birth.
Shipping Instructions which Include Specimen Handling Requirements
Ship fixed/preserved specimens at room temperature. Ship unpreserved specimens on wet ice (cold pack) if stored refrigerated or frozen (on dry ice) if stored frozen.
Test Methodology
PCR
Turnaround Time
1 week
Interferences & Limitations
Specimens fixed in formalin-containing preservatives or LV-PVA are not suitable for molecular studies.
Additional Information
PCR will be completed at MDL for Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lambia (duodenalis), Cryptosporidium parvum and Cyclospora cayetanensis. The specimen may be forwarded to CDC for other parasites per request.
Other preservatives and specimen types that are not listed above may be acceptable for testing by the CDC.
MDL Points of Contact
Mycobacterial & Parasitic Diseases Reference Unit
(510) 412-3924