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MICROBIAL DISEASES LABORATORY

Test Order Enteric Parasites Real-Time PCR

Pre-Approval Required

None

Supplemental Information or Form

Form Lab 416 is required for submission of samples. Case history, travel history, and submitterā€™s 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 submitterā€™s 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 
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