Test Directory

Amoebiasis stool PCR

Containers - Adult

20ml Universal Stool Container	Volume Range 5ml liquid or 5g of semi- solid / solid stool. Do not overfill.

Containers - Child

20ml Universal Stool Container	Volume Range 5ml liquid or 5g of semi- solid / solid stool. Do not overfill.

Laboratory Site

RIE

51 Little France Crescent
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA

Telephone (Bacteriology): 0131 242 6021 OOH Bleep 2900

Scottish Parasite Diagnostic & Reference Laboratory (SPDRL)

Level 5, New Lister Building
10-16 Alexandra Parade
Glasgow Royal Infirmary
GLASGOW
G4 0SF

Telephone: 0141 201-8667

Transport arrangements

Useful:

RIE and WGH: Entamoeba histolytica PCR is performed on ALL samples receving OCP microscopy (see 'stool for OCP' for details), or where >2 weeks diarrhoea/amoebic dystentery/waterborne outbreak or exposure/weight loss/failure to thrive are mentioned in clinical details. Also performed on specific request with appropriate clinical detail.

SJH: PCR is not routinely performed on samples sent for OCP, but will be performed if relevant clinical details supplied as above, or on specific request.

Transport:

Transport as soon as practicable to RIE Microbiology or SJH Microbiology. Processed locally at the RIE, or referred to the Scottish Parasite Diagnostic & Reference Laboratory (SPDRL) at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

Sample storage arrangements

If delay in transporting, store in the fridge (4-6°C).

Special instructions for collection

Collect 5mls of liquid or 5g solid faeces in 20ml Universal stool container. Do not overfill container. Direct patients to information leaflet 'How should I collect and store a poo (stool) sample?' on NHS.uk website https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/infections/how-should-i-collect-and-store-a-stool-faeces-sample/

How to request

Via Trak (For RIE/WGH select: "Faeces - Micro ADULT WGH/RIE only", for SJH select Faeces- Micro SJH, or "Faeces culture PAED" for children), via request form or via GP comms. Please state request for ova, cysts and parasites (OCP), symptoms, and travel history and suspected pathogen in the 'clinical details' field.

Availability

Tested daily Tuesday - Friday.

Anticipated turnaround

4 days

What happens if the result is positive or abnormal

Telephoned by microbiologist.

General additional information

Please supply information on risk factors when requesting tests (e.g. foreign travel, MSM). Additionally, send clotted blood for amoebic serology if amoebiasis suspected.