Echinococcus Serology

This test is referred to another lab outside our network
This does not affect where samples are sent and where your results are issued.
Description: 
Sample sent to Hospital for Tropical Diseases (PHE National Parasitology Reference Lab) referral laboratory to test for antibodies to echinococcus using an ELISA. This assay is available routinely Mon to Fri.
Clinical details: 
Human echinococcus occurs after ingestion of eggs excreted from the definitive host (typically dogs). A travel history is necessary to establish if the patient has been at risk of exposure. Following ingestion, echinococcus can lead to the formation of hydatid cysts. The most common site for cysts is the liver, but cysts have also been described in most other body sites. Cyst rupture, including at time of surgical removal, can result in a hypersensitivity reaction leading to anaphylaxis.
Related condition or disease: 
Hydatid disease, tapeworm
Synonyms or keywords: 
Hydatid
Department: 
Infection Sciences Department
Location: 
St Thomas' Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
2.5 – 5ml Yellow Top Serum Separation Tube (SST) Clotted Blood (for serum).
Turnaround time: 
14 working days
Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
Place labelled sample in a sealed sample bag and send to Central Specimen Reception (CSR). To prevent sample haemolysis please store samples in refrigerator if a delay in sending samples to CSR is unavoidable.
Contacts:
Infection Sciences Department at St Thomas' Hospital
020 7188 8008
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Core opening hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1730


For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Virology Laboratory at St Thomas'

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Last updated: 04/12/2017