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.
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.
Urine techniques - UKAS accredited test
Schistosoma haematobium
Urine is tested by dipstick for the presence of blood /Hb, and RBC’s. Urine is routinely filtered for Schistosomiasis ova using polycarbonate filters.
Sample requirement: ideally total 10am – 2pm urine collection or terminal midday sample
Key factors affecting test. Random urine samples may give false-negative results
Semen - UKAS accredited test
Seminal fluid microscopy is performed for schistosome ova.
Specimen requirement: Age and volume of the sample is not critical.