Trypanosoma – Microscopy and PCR
Consistent with O. Reg. 671/92 of the French Language Services Act, laboratory testing information on this page is only available in English because it is scientific or technical in nature and is for use only by qualified health care providers and not by members of the public.
Specimen Requirements
| Test Requested | Required Requisition(s) | Specimen Type | Minimum Volume | Collection Kit |
Trypanosoma |
Unstained blood slides |
N/A |
Slide mailer for unstained slides |
|
Trypanosoma |
EDTA blood |
1.0 ml |
EDTA blood tube |
|
Trypanosoma |
Lymph node/aspirate, CSF |
N/A |
Sterile container |
|
Trypanosoma PCR |
EDTA blood |
1.0 ml |
EDTA blood tube |
Submission and Collection Notes
Please note on the requisition (under other) if the patient has fever, intravascular hemolysis, hemoglobinuria, renal failure or is immunocompromised.
Indicate Country/Region and if the patient is a new immigrant or refugee or returned traveler under ‘Travel’ section of the requisition.
Storage and Transport
Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.
Special Instructions
Place slide mailer in a biohazard bag and seal. Store specimen at room temperature and ship to the PHO laboratory as soon as possible.
Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)
Trypanosoma microscopy is performed Monday to Friday. Turnaround time is up to 2 days after receipt by PHO laboratory.
Trypanosoma PCR is a Referred Out Test. Samples are sent to the National Reference Centre for Parasitology (NRCP) in Montreal.
Turnaround time is up to 42 days from receipt by PHO laboratory.
Trypanosoma specimens are tested by microscopy using Giemsa-stained thick and thin films.
MyPHO
Don’t have a MyPHO account? Register Now