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Entamoeba histolytica Antigen, EIA
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Test Code
EHISTO
CPT Codes
87337
Preferred Specimen
2 grams or 2 mL fresh unpreserved stool collected in a sterile leak-proof container
Minimum Volume
1 gram or 1 mL
Instructions
Stool specimens should be transported in a clean or sterile container as soon as possible and transported at 2° C to 8° C. Store specimens at - 20°C or lower if transport cannot be performed within 48 hours.
Transport Temperature
Frozen
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: 7 days
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: 7 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Stool in preservative • Rectal swabs • Diaper specimens • Liver abscess
Methodology
Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
Setup Schedule
Set up: Mon, Wed, Fri; Report available: 1-4 days
Limitations
Extraintestinal amebiasis is frequently found without trophozoites or cysts in stool: patients may have a negative stool antigen result.
Reference Range
Not detected
Clinical Significance
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.
Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-San Juan Capistrano, CA |
33608 Ortega Highway |
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042 |
Last Updated: May 9, 2022