Clinical background:
This test can be useful in the diagnosis of Echinococcus infection (tapeworm), which is difficult to detect by other laboratory methods. Sensitivity depends upon cyst type (overall 92% show a positive ELISA test, liver 96%, pulmonary 76%, skeletal 60%, brain hydatid rarely shows positive serology). Serological cross-reactions, giving rise to false positives, can occur with other parasitic infections, particularly larval cestodes, and filarial worms and with some neoplasms.
Specimen container paediatric:
Clotted blood.
Specimen container adult:
Clotted blood – Gold SST.
Minimum volume paediatric:
1ml
Minimum volume adult:
5ml
Special requirements:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C.
Sample stability:
Stable for up to 24 hrs.
Transport requirements:
Standard
Add on test:
N/A
Quality assurance:
Sample referred to Reference Laboratory.
Interpretation:
Interpretative comments are added to reports where applicable
Reference ranges:
None available
Factors affecting result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2 to 8 deg C
Referenced Documents:
N/A
Other info:
Referred to Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine