Amoeba Culture (Acanthamoeba, Naegleria)


Sunquest Code:PCLT  
Epic Code:LAB3235Epic Name:Parasite Culture
Synonyms:Cerebrospinal Fluid, Amoebas or Parasites; Naegleria; Parasites in Cerebrospinal Fluid; Acanthamoeba; Parasites in Tissue
Methodology:Culture
Test Includes:Culture for Acanthamoeba or Naegleria.
Turnaround Time:Performed Mon-Fri, 0730-1530; results are reported within 10-12 days.
Special Instructions:Further questions regarding Naegleria fowleri should be directed to the IDDL medical director on-call. Call 612-273-3665 for IDDL on call information. Also see Amoeba Smears.


Collection Instructions

Specimen:CSF, corneal scrapings, contact lens or lens solution, and brain or other tissues
Container:CSF Tubes, See Collection Instructions
Collection Instructions:
  1. CSF: Obtain aseptically and submit 0.5-1 mL in sterile tube
  2. Corneal scraping: Collect in sterile vial with 0.5 mL amoeba saline obtained from laboratory. (0.5 mL sterile saline acceptable.)
  3. Contact lens or solution: Send to lab in lens case or bottle, as is.
Deliver to laboratory immediately.


Processing and Shipping

Specimen Processing:Store at room temperature.
Shipping Instructions:Ship at room temperature. Must arrive within 24 hours.
Test Performed at or Referral Lab Infectious Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory  (UMMC-East Bank)


Interpretive

Reference Range:Negative.
Use:Detect primary amebic meningoencephalitis, Acanthamoeba keratitis.


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