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HelpTest ID SAM Entamoeba histolytica Antibody, Serum
Reporting Name
E. histolytica Ab, SUseful For
As an adjunct in the diagnosis of extraintestinal amebiasis, especially liver abscess
Serology may be particularly useful in supporting the diagnosis of amebic liver abscess in patients without a definite history of intestinal amebiasis and who have not spent substantial periods of time in endemic areas
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
SerumAdvisory Information
Direct detection of Entamoeba histolytica in stool specimens is recommended to diagnose intestinal amebiasis. See OAP / Parasitic Examination or OAPNS / Ova and Parasite Exam, Non-Stool.
Shipping Instructions
Specimen Required
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.15 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Frozen (preferred) | 30 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
Reference Values
Negative
Reference values apply to all ages.
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Tuesday, Thursday; 9 a.m.
Test Classification
This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
86753
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| SAM | E. histolytica Ab, S | 22285-1 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 9049 | E. histolytica Ab, S | 22285-1 |
Clinical Information
Amebiasis is an infection by the protozoan parasite, Entamoeba histolytica. The infection is acquired by ingestion of cysts in fecally contaminated food or water; excystation and infection occur in the large intestine. After excystation, trophozoites attach to the intestinal wall and liberate extracellular enzymes that enable invasion of the mucosa and spread to other organs, especially the liver and lung where abscesses develop.
Amebiasis (or amebic dysentery) can cause bloody diarrhea accompanied by fever and prostration. Leukocytes, WBCs, and RBCs are found in the stools. Liver abscess can develop several weeks to months later producing hepatomegaly and fever.
Pathogenic (E histolytica) and nonpathogenic (E dispar) species of Entamoeba occur. Additionally, some of those infected with pathogenic strains are asymptomatic cyst carriers.
Interpretation
A positive result suggests current or previous infection with Entamoeba histolytica.
Since pathogenic and nonpathogenic species of Entamoeba cannot be differentiated microscopically, some authorities believe a positive serology indicates the presence of the pathogenic species (ie, E histolytica).
Cautions
Previous episodes of intestinal amebiasis may produce a positive serology.
Serologic results should be used as an aid in diagnosis and should not be interpreted as diagnostic by themselves.
Clinical Reference
Bruckner DA: Amebiasis. Clin Microbiol Rev 1992;5:356-369
Analytic Time
Same day/1 dayReject Due To
|
Hemolysis |
Mild OK; Gross reject |
|
Lipemia |
Mild OK; Gross reject |
|
Icterus |
NA |
|
Other |
NA |
NY State Approved
YesMethod Name
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.