Onchocerca – Nodule – Worm
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 |
Ova and parasites1 |
Excised nodules or material from nodules |
N/A |
Sterile container |
|
Worm ID |
Adult worms |
N/A |
Sterile container |
|
Ova and parasites1 |
Microfilariae from skin snips4 |
N/A |
Sterile container |
Submission and Collection Notes
The suspected organism may be included under the ‘Test Description’.
Please note on the requisition (under other): If the patient has Eosinophilia, HIV, is immunocompromised, has a critical illness or was admitted to ICU, or had a previous parasitic infection.
Indicate Country/Region and if the patient is a new immigrant or refugee or returned traveler under ‘Travel’ section of the requisition. It is imperative that the foreign country be identified.
Skin snips best taken from iliac crest or scapula.
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.
Place specimen container in a biohazard bag and seal. Store at room temperature and ship to the lab for testing.
Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)
Onchocerca testing turnaround time (TAT) is up to 2 days from receipt by the PHO laboratory.
Onchocerca microscopy for microfilariae and adult worm are used to complete the identification.
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