Amoebic Serology

Test information: Is an essential test in cases of suspected amoebic liver abscess (ALA).

Availability: Referred to Hospital for Tropical Disease, Health Services laboratories (HSL): Monday - Friday during routine hours: 08:45 - 17:15.

Turnaround Time: 28 Day upon receipt at Hospital for Tropical Disease

Specimen Type(s)

• Clotted blood;

Other Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

N/A

Specimen Container - Adult

• Gold Top SST BD;

Specimen Container - Paediatric

• N/A;

Analytes

• Entamoeba histolytica / Entamoeba dispar antibodies;

Part of a test profile?

No

Volume (min) of sample to be sent to laboratory

5mL Clotted Blood
0.5mL Serum

Patient Preparation, Sample Handling and Transport

• Minimum-clotting time 30 minutes.
• Specimens should be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible.
• Outside of normal hours samples should be refrigerated (2 °C to 8 °C).

Maximum add on time

N/A

Units and Reference Ranges / Interpretation

Amoebic IFAT: Negative / Positive

UKAS number

9702

UKAS accredited test?

Yes

Comments

Amoebic serology may be negative in amoebic dysentery, especially in the early stage. If clinical suspicion remains please send a further serum sample 2 weeks after the first sample. In addition, for all suspected cases of intestinal amoebiasis, faecal microscopy and PCR for Entamoeba histolytica should be performed.

Amoebic serology may take up to 2 weeks to become positive in amoebic liver abscess.

If you have any queries about a test or results interpretation please contact us.