Parasites (other) – Baylisascaris – serology

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Serologic detection of antibodies against Baylisascaris
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Serology
Specimen Type	○ Serum ○ CSF

Other Information

○ Please provide symptoms and onset date on the requisition
○ Acute and convalescent sera (2-3 weeks between collection) may be required for laboratory diagnosis

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Serum separator tube (clotted blood) (min volume 5 mL)
○ CSF: sterile container (1mL)

Collection Requirements

○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect at least 5 mL of blood into appropriate container
○ CSF by lumbar puncture: Decontaminate skin, collect at least 1mL of CSF by lumbar puncture into a sterile container; collect more CSF if additional cultures are requested (AFB, fungal, etc.). If more than one tube can be successfully collected, the microbiology laboratory should receive the second or third tubes (whichever is less bloody) to avoid contamination by skin flora or blood.

Sample Stability

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery

Referral Laboratory

PHOL

Routine Turnaround Time

○ Up to 42 days

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4586

Approval Required

Sample Processing / Delivery

○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

○ Specimens should be stored at refrigeration temperature (2-8˚C) after collection and transported to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory ASAP

○ The specimen will be referred to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing. PHOL will refer the specimen to NRCP.