Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba, Stool, Feces, Nucleic Acid Test, Enteric Parasite, ST EPPNAT
DNA isolation, multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction amplification and detection.
Detection of Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium hominis, Cryptosporidium parvum and Entamoeba histolytica in patients with gastroenteritis. Cryptosporidium and Giardia are the most common protozoan parasites encountered in the US and represent 85% of all significant parasites recovered in our laboratory. Multiple stool PCR tests on the same patient are not necessary to optimize yield, and repeat tests on patients with negative initial results are not indicated.
The preferred specimen is fresh stool in a leak-proof container. Transfer approximately 1 gram of stool specimen to a dry, clean container. Avoid contamination with water or urine.
Feces, Liquid or Soft Raw Stool
Any inhibition of amplification will be detected through the use of an internal amplification control.
*Testing performed once/day.
Sample must be received in the lab by 0400 to be tested same day.
Negative results in individuals with gastroenteritis may be due to infection by pathogens that are not detected by this test or non-infectious causes. Positive results do not rule out co-infection with other organisms that may also cause gastroenteritis.