Acanthamoeba PCR

This test is referred to another lab outside our network
This does not affect where samples are sent and where your results are issued.
Description: 
Corneal ulcer scrapes/biopsies are sent to Micropathology Laboratories for real-time PCR to detect Acanthamoeba species


Clinical details: 
Acanthamoeba species are environmental free living amoebae that may act as opportunistic pathogens. They are an important cause of chronic keratitis, mainly affecting contact lens users.

Synonyms or keywords: 
Keratitis, corneal ulcer
Sample type and Volume required: 
corneal scrape or biopsy
Use cotton swab with plastic shaft to firmly swab ulcer (or use blade and transfer onto swab), then place in bijou bottle, cut the shaft with sterile scissors and screw on lid. Then place in Universal container packed with tissue paper.
Call in advance: 
Turnaround time: 
7 days
Storage and transport: 
Place labelled sample in a sealed sample bag and transport promptly to Central Specimen Reception (CSR).
Contacts:
Infection Sciences Department at St Thomas' Hospital
020 7188 8008
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Core opening hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1730


For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.

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Last updated: 03/12/2017