Test Directory
Microsporidia - stool/tissue/urine PCR
Containers - Adult
20ml Sterile Universal Container
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Laboratory Site
10-16 Alexandra Parade
Glasgow Royal Infirmary
GLASGOW
G4 0SF
Transport arrangements
Utility: PCR is a more sensitive test than the standard microscopy, and this PCR is performed at HTD. Parasitic load can also be quantified, and used to determine the patient's response to treatment.
Microsporidiosis typically presents as a self-limiting diarrhoea or keratoconjunctivitis in the immunocompetent, and as diarrhoea with wasting syndrome and disseminated infection in the immunosuppressed. It can also present as a kidney transplant infection.
Urine should be tested in all suspected cases.
Stool should be tested in suspected cases presenting with diarrhoeal illness.
Tissue from any other suspected site of infection (e.g. corneal scrapes) may also be sent for testing as required/indicated.
The sample is sent from the Scottish Parasite Diagnostic and Reference Laboratory (SPDRL) to the Hospital of Tropical Diseases, London, for testing.
Please send to the RIE for forwarding. Transport as soon as is practicable.
Sample storage arrangements
If delay in transporting, store in the fridge (4-6°C)
Special instructions for collection
Please discuss all suspected cases with an Infection Specialist and the labs prior to sampling/requesting, to ensure correct processing of samples.
Stool: at least 3 samples. Collect 2-3mls of liquid or solid faeces in 20ml Universal stool 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/
Samples should not be in any fixative as this may cause false negatives.
Urine: Transport plain white top universal urine containers to lab within 4 hours of collection unrefrigerated (or within 48 hours if refrigerated). Please do NOT use boric acid containers for microsporidiosis testing.
Please see separate pages for instructions for collection of other types of sample e.g. 'corneal scrapings - routine MC&S'
How to request
Please discuss all suspected cases with an Infection Specialist and the labs prior to sampling/requesting, to ensure correct processing of samples. Notify Microbiology Office on loth.microbiologyoffice@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Stool: Via Trak (For RIE/WGH select: "Faeces - Micro ADULT WGH/RIE only", for SJH select Faeces- Micro SJH), via request form or via GP comms. Please state symptoms, travel history and suspected pathogen in the 'clinical details' field.
Urine: via trak - 'urine parasitology' or paper request form.
Tissue: Via trak - 'C&S tissue' or paper request form depending on sample type.
Availability
This is a referred test so should be sent Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.
Anticipated turnaround
Up to 28 days