Alberta Precision Laboratories

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Organization:

Sub-Page

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Test Name/Synonym:

Acanthamoeba culture (Edmonton/Central/North)
(Synonym: Acanthamoeba Keratitis, Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis, Primary Amoebic Encephalitis, Free living amoebae)

Pathogen:

Acanthamoeba species (amoebic encephalitis)
Amoeba (other free leaving amoebae): Naegleria, Balamuthia

Clinical Indications:

Keratitis/corneal ulcer, meningoencephalitis, disseminated disease (other organs) in immunocompromised host

Ordering Alert:

Keep at room temperature

Tissue or CSF specimens must be placed in Page’s saline immediately after collection

Shipping and Handling Alert:

Keep at room temperature

LABID (Connect Care):

LAB4048

Specimen Type:

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Contact lens
Contact lens fluid/solution
Eye, corneal biopsy
Eye, corneal scrapings
Tissue/biopsy - brain, lung, skin, other
Environmental samples: water, soil (by special arrangement only)

Primary Container:

PAGES AMOEBA SALINE

Alternate Containers:

Contact lenses - original contact lens case or sterile container

Specimen Collection Requirements:

Specimen group 1	Collection Device / Instructions
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)	Submit specimen in 5 mL of Page’s Amoeba Saline in sterile container
Brain tissue
Vitreous/aqueous eye fluid
Orbital fluid
Specimen group 2	Collection Device / Instructions
Corneal biopsy	Submit specimen in 5 mL of Page’s Amoeba Saline in sterile container
Corneal scrapings
Contact lenses	Submit specimen in 5 mL of Page’s Amoeba Saline in sterile container Note: Lenses & lens fluid may be submitted without Page’s media
Contact lens fluid
Skin/other tissue	Submit specimen in 5 mL of Page’s Amoeba Saline in sterile container

Stability and Storage:

DO NOT refrigerate
Store at room temperature

Transportation:

Transport to lab as soon as possible

Method:

Culture on Page’s amoeba agar

Method and Interpretation of Results:

Presence or absence of amoebic trophozoites or cysts

Routine Turn Around Time:

Up to 10 days

Testing Schedule:

Daily

Testing Area:

Parasitology

Performing Site:

Provincial Laboratory for Public Health (Edmonton)

Last Updated On:

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Date of Last Review:

Apr 23 2024 12:00AM