Laboratory:
Sendout
Referral Laboratory:
Mayo FLARP
MiChart Code:
Free Living Amoeba, PCR (Sendout)
Soft Order Code:
FLARP
Synonyms:
CSF, Fresh Water Amoeba Exam Fresh Water Amoeba Culture
Balamuthia mandrillaris PCR Naegleria fowleri PCR
Acanthamoeba species PCR
Container:
Sterile tube or container
Normal Volume:
0.5 mL CSF or 5-10 mm tissue
Minimum Volume:
0.3 mL CSF or 5-10 mm tissue
Days Set Up:
Daily
Analytic Time:
2 days
Reference Range:
*Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
Negative
Test Usage:
Aids in the diagnosis of primary amebic meningoencephalitis and granulomatous amebic encephalitis in spinal fluid and tissue in conjunction with clinical findings.
Contraindications:
While this assay is designed to detect symptomatic infection with free-living amoeba species, the widespread distribution of these microscopic amebae in the environment may contaminate inanimate objects. Thus, testing should be reserved for patients with a clinical history and symptoms consistent with granulomatous amebic encephalitis and primary amebic meningoencephalitis.
Test Limitations:
Primary amebic meningoencephalitis due to Naegleria fowleri is a rapidly fatal disease, and prompt detection may improve the likelihood of survival. The fastest way to make a diagnosis is through examination of spinal fluid for characteristic trophozoites. This may be performed locally by obtaining a cell count with manual differential (hematology laboratory); alert the laboratory that amebic infection is suspected.
Test Methodology:
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/TaqMan DNA Probe Hybridization
Additional Information:
Test includes PCR for Acanthamoeba species, Naegleria fowleri, and Balamuthia mandrillaris. Test sent to Mayo Medical Laboratories.
CPT Code:
87798 x3
Collection:
Submit only one of the following specimens: 1) CSF in a sterile container (vial #2), 2) brain, skin, or lung tissue in a sterile container with 1 mL of sterile saline or minimal essential media (MEM), 3) formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) brain, skin, or lung tissue in a sterile container. Refrigerate.
Test ID:
5239