Cysticercosis Serology

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: 
Sample sent to Hospital for Tropical Diseases (PHE National Parasitology Reference Unit) referral laboratory for Cysticercosis serology testing. Cysticercosis refers to the presence of cysts of the pork tapeworm Taenia solium in tissues and are most clinically significant when affecting the central nervous system. This assay is available routinely Mon to Fri.
Clinical details: 
Cysticercosis is endemic in many regions of Central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa, India, and Asia. Clinical Cysticercosis is usually caused by degrading cysts of the larvae of the pork tapeworm Taenia solium. Symptoms are most commonly experienced when the cysts cause inflammation in the CNS leading to seizures, hydrocephalus or stroke symptoms. They can also be associated with ocular or spinal syndromes.
Synonyms or keywords: 
Cysticercosis, neurocysticercosis
Units: 
titre
Sample type and Volume required: 
2.5 – 5ml Yellow Top Serum Separation Tube (SST) Clotted Blood (for serum) or at least 500 µL Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) in a sterile universal container with no additives.
Turnaround time: 
14 working days
Storage and transport: 
Place labelled sample in a sealed sample bag and send to Central Specimen Reception (CSR). To prevent sample haemolysis please store samples in refrigerator if a delay in sending samples to CSR is unavoidable.
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: 04/12/2017