Microsporidia by PCR
Also known as: MICROSPCR
Use
Microsporidia by PCR is preferred for diagnosing Microsporidia in immunocompromised patients experiencing persistent diarrhea when Encephalitozoon spp (E. intestinalis/E. hellem/E. cuniculi) or E. bieneusi is the suspected infectious agent. This qualitative test is crucial in detecting the presence of microsporidia DNA from stool samples, providing critical insights into managing infections in vulnerable populations.
Special Instructions
A minimum of 0.5 mL stool should be transferred to an unpreserved stool transport vial (ARUP supply #40910). These vials can be acquired online through ARUP Connect® or by contacting ARUP Client Services. Ensure that specimens in viral transport media or stool in formalin are not submitted.
Limitations
A negative result from this polymerase chain reaction test does not discount the potential presence of polymerase chain reaction inhibitors in the patient specimen, nor does it indicate an absence of nucleic acids below the threshold level of detection. This limitation means that test outcomes could represent false negatives if inhibitors are present or nucleic acid levels are suboptimal for detection.
Methodology
PCR-based (PCR)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 31208-2
- 41443-3
- 94333-2
Result Turnaround Time
2-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Stool
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Unpreserved stool transport vial (ARUP supply #40910)
Storage Instructions
Frozen
Causes for Rejection
Specimens in Viral Transport Media. Stool in formalin.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 2 weeks |
| Frozen | 2 weeks |
