Florida Bureau of Public Health laboratories
Parasite Microscopy
The parasite microscopy test is used for determining the identify of miscellaneous parasites in a clinical sample.
Analyte(s)
Protozoa: Cyclospora, Cryptosporidium, Giardia lamlina, Balantidium coli, Chilomastic sp, Endolimax nana, Entamoeba coli, Blastocystis spp
Helminths (worms- tape, hook, round, flat): Fasciola hepatica, hookworm, Ascaris spp.,Taenia spp.
Test Code
1410
Testing Location
Testing Department
Microbiology
Required Forms
BPHL Test Requisition, DH1847
(not needed if orders are placed by electronic order)
Supply Ordering
Supplies may be requested from your servicing laboratory. Supplies ordered from BPHL should only be used for specimen sent to the BPHL for testing.
Turn Around time
Three business days after receipt at the laboratory
Minimum Volume
Collection Media
Specimen Sources
Specimen Labeling
Specimen must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, e.g., name and DOB, and date of collection.
Information on the specimen must match the requisition and/or test order.
Special SPecimen Preparation
Make sure the DH1847 is completed with all required fields
Storage Conditions
Ship specimens at 15–30° C as soon as possible following collection. If a delay is unavoidable, specimens may be stored at 15–30° C for a maximum of five days prior to shipment.
Packaging and Shipping
Ship specimens at 15-30° C as soon as possible following collection.
Place all paperwork in the outer pocket of the biohazard bag separate from the specimens.
unsatisfactory specimen
1. Specimen was not labeled with two unique patient identifiers
2. Information on specimen does not match requisition/test order
3. Leaked in transit
Interferences and Limitations
Specimens received in 10% formalin will not be able to be tested for PCR or sequencing. Specimens submitted in 10% formalin are unacceptable for molecular analysis, as formalin-induced DNA cross-linking inhibits PCR amplification and sequencing.
Reference Range
Negative: No parasite found
Result Indicator
Positive: morphologies characteristic for intestinal parasites seen. If seen, identification is provided.
Negative: No parasite found
Reference lab
CDC
Reflex testing
Next generation sequencing