Faecal Parasite diagnosis - UKAS accredited test
Faecal microscopy
A concentration technique is routinely performed on all faecal samples for the presence of cysts, ova, and larvae. Direct saline smears are examined on samples that are 24 hours old or less where trophozoite stages of protozoan parasites are suspected.
Sample requirement: Minimum of ¼ specimen pot of faecal sample. Ova, cysts, and parasites may be passed intermittently therefore three samples may be required to be examined. Ova, cysts, and parasites will diminish over time therefore it is more ideal for the sample to be less than 2 days old upon receipt at LSTM, however older stools will not be rejected.
Key factors affecting test: trophozoites may only survive for up to 24 hours in voided faecal samples.
Giardia lamblia (intestinalis) Antigen
If cysts cannot be identified by routine microscopy faecal antigen detection is a sensitive method of diagnosis.
Sample requirement: specimens should be fresh (< 72 hours old), or sample may be freshly-frozen at -20°C for up to 90 days if the test cannot be performed within 72 hours. Minimum of ¼ pot of faecal specimen.