0-8 U
|
Negative: No significant level of Echinococcus IgG antibody detected.
|
9-11 U
|
Equivocal: Recommend repeat testing in 2-4 weeks with fresh sample.
|
12 U or greater
|
Positive: IgG antibodies to Echinococcus detected, indicating current or past infection
|
Patients with collagen vascular diseases, hepatic cirrhosis, schistosomiasis and other parasitic infections can produce false positive results. There is a strong cross-reaction between echinococcosis and cysticercosis positive sera. Seroconversion between acute and convalescent sera is considered strong evidence of recent infection. The best evidence for infection is a significant change on two appropriately timed specimens where both tests are done in the same laboratory at the same time.