Parasite Test

Bioscreen use a twostep Multiplexed Tandem PCR system for parasite testing. This is more sensitive than microscopic examination that is often performed by routine pathology laboratories. Bioscreen includes appropriate ‘control’ samples to ensure the accuracy of our testing. Bioscreen tests for the following parasites.

Entamoeba histolytica

E. histolytica is the cause of amoebic colitis, amoebic dysentery and amoebic liver abscess. Worldwide, there are about 100,000 deaths per year due to infection with this parasite. It is transmitted through the faecal-oral route and the infection can be asymptomatic. The parasite causes tissue destruction and inflammation.

Dientamoeba fragilis

D. fragilis infects humans and some domestic animals. The parasite is spread by the faecal-oral route. The highest incidence of D. fragilis recovered from faecal sample is during the winter season.

Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium is spread between humans by the faecal - oral route. Infection is usually associated with the consumption of contaminated water or food.

Giardia

G. intestinalis is the most commonly diagnosed parasite. It is the main non-viral cause of diarrhoea in developed countries. Spread between humans is by the faecal -oral route. Infection is associated with the consumption of contaminated water or food. It colonizes the small intestine, causing Giardiasis.

Blastocystis

Blastocystis is a protozoan which colonizes humans and some other animals. Spread between humans is most likely faecal-oral usually by ingestion of contaminated food and water. Blastocystis may be classified into different subspecies: Subspecies 1 and 3 have been reported in humans with symptoms. The Bioscreen assay distinguishes Subspecies 1 and Subspecies 3.

Instruction Sheets

Instruction Sheet for Parasite Testing Sample Collection in Australia Metro

Instruction Sheet for Parasite Testing Sample Collection in Australia Rural

Instruction Sheet for Parasite Testing Sample Collection in New Zealand

Other Services