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1. Specimen collection - general
As a reference laboratory, many specimens received have already had preliminary investigations carried out by a primary laboratory and are sent to us in due course.
In general, specimens should be collected or transferred into an appropriate container such as a sterile universal, with an accompanying request form giving all relevant information, including laboratory findings and sent to us with minimal delay.
Please provide a specimen representative of the condition under investigation and in sufficient quantity to permit a full examination - see specific guidelines in part 2 of this chapter.
Where a specimen is submitted for a general screen with no specific parasitological investigation requested, we may as a result of our findings or as indicated to us by the specimen type or clinical details given, proceed to further investigations as deemed appropriate.
Faeces
Unless otherwise requested, faecal specimens are given a general parasitological screen to include:-
examination for adult worms and segments
formol-ether concentration and microscopy for ova, cysts and larvae
amoebic culture
If the presence of trophozoites is to be investigated, faeces must either be fresh or collected into SAF preservative.
See also guidelines for intestinal parasites and specific parasitic diseases.
Important
Where possible laboratories should screen faecal specimens for ACDP hazard group 3 organisms before sending on (e.g. some Salmonella sp., Shigella sp., Escherichia coli O157). Where this has not been done it should be clearly stated on the request form.
Blood
See specific parasitic diseases for guidelines on volume, anticoagulants, blood smears etc.
Serology
In general, a minimum of 1ml of serum is required for serological investigations.
Tissues and biopsies
Under aseptic conditions, transfer material to a sterile universal container. If the sample is very small, add 0.5ml of Ringers or sterile saline to prevent drying.
Worms and worm segments
Adult worms and tapeworm segments should be sent without preservative in a sterile universal container. If there is likely to be a delay of more than 24 hours, then 10% formol water should be added to the specimen.
Ectoparasites and Entomology
Arthropods, larvae, etc. should be sent without preservative if 'living' or otherwise in 70% alcohol in a suitable container. Where extracted from a body site and a risk of infection, specimen may be fixed in 10% formalin, rinsed in water and transferred to 70% alcohol. Do not leave in formalin as this hardens some specimens. Please allow specimen to remain intact if possible, giving full clinical details including travel history and site of extraction if relevant.
NB The above guidelines and the following specific parasitic diseases are not intended as an exhaustive list of parasitological investigations available; please contact the laboratory to discuss individual cases, specific requirements or investigations not listed.
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