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Test Code FEHAG Entamoeba histolytica Antigen, EIA


Specimen Required


Preferred Specimen Type: Unpreserved stool

Supplies: Sterile stool container

Container/Tube: Sterile stool container

Specimen Volume: 2 g

Specimen Stability Information: Frozen

 

Collection Instructions: Collect 2 grams of fresh unpreserved stool in sterile container. Send specimen frozen.

 

NOTE: Separate specimens must be submitted when multiple tests are ordered.


Method Name

Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)

Reporting Name

Entamoeba histolytica Antigen

Specimen Type

Fecal

Specimen Minimum Volume

1 gram

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Fecal Frozen (preferred) 7 days
  Refrigerated  48 hours

Reject Due To

Other Stool in preservative; Carey-Blair Transport Media, rectal swabs; diaper specimens; liver abscess

Clinical Information

Entamoeba histolytica are intestinal parasites that infect a half billion people worldwide annually. Of those infected, most are infected with the non-pathogenic E. dispar, which has not been associated with disease.  It is estimated that approximately 10 % of the half billion people infected each year are infected with the pathogenic E. histolytica. These individuals become symptomatic and develop colitis and liver abscesses.

 

Limitations: Extraintestinal amebiasis is frequently found without trophozoites or cysts in stool: patients may have a negative stool antigen result.

Reference Values

Entamoeba histolytica Antigen: Not Detected

 

The Entamoeba histolytica Antigen EIA test detects only the antigen of the pathogenic E. histolytica; the non-pathogenic E. dispar is not detected.

Day(s) Performed

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Report Available

4 to 8 days

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics

CPT Code Information

87337