Hydatid Serology

Test information: Hydatid disease or echinococcosis is caused by infection with the cestode (tapeworm) Echinococcus granulosis (cystic enchinococcosis) and less commonly Echinococcus multilocularis. Hydatid disease should be considered in patients with a compatible exposure history and evidence of one or more cystic lesion with an organ (particularly the liver). Echinococcus multilocularis usually presents as suspected malignancy and is diagnosed by a combination of imaging, serology and biopsy.

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

Turnaround Time: 4 Days upon receipt at Hospital for Tropical Disease

Specimen Type(s)

• Cerebrospinal fluid;
• Clotted blood;

Other Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

N/A

Specimen Container - Adult

• Gold Top SST BD;
• Sterile CE-marked Universal Container;

Specimen Container - Paediatric

• N/A;

Analytes

• Echinococcus granulosis antibodies ;
• Echinococcus multilocularis antibodies;

Part of a test profile?

No

Volume (min) of sample to be sent to laboratory

CSF: as much as possible
Serum: 500uL.

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

Results: Negative / Positive

Please note serological cross-reactions, giving rise to false positives, can occur with sera from patients with other parasitic infections, notably larval cestodes and filarial worms and with some neoplasms.

False negatives may occur and are more common in the case of non-hepatic hydatid cysts.

UKAS number

9702

UKAS accredited test?

Yes

Comments

N/A

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