Parasitological examination of stool samples – confirmation

Which test do we use?

Direct microscopic analysis after enrichment, iron hematoxyline coloration on fixated stool samples (SAF), Cryptosporidium after enrichment (Heine), Ag detection of Crysptosporidium, Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, PCR to differentiate Entamoeba histolytica/dispar.

Sampling instructions

• fresh stool samples (> 10 gram)
• SAF fixation: within 15 minutes after production of the sample

Important advice

PCR to differentiate Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar will only be performed if our laboratory detected cysts of E. hystolytica/E. dispar. We need enough stool samples to perform direct examination and enrichment.

For PCR of E. histolytica when suspecting dysenteria (bloody and slimy stool samples) and on liver punction fluid obtained during rectoscopy contact the laboratory.

The form necessary to send samples is available on the Sciensano website.