Amebiasis Antibodies

Casandra

Casandra Test Code LC97034Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab LabcorpLab Test ID 006874CPT Code 86753

Also known as: E histolytica, Amebic Antibodies

Clinical Use

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Use

A positive test may not necessarily indicate active infection, since antibodies may persist for years. The titer is not directly correlated with the severity of the infection, due to the variance in patient response and to the variance in response to the type of infection. A negative response is equally important, as long as ample time has been allowed for antibody production.

Special Instructions

The test employs an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) methodology. Testing schedules may vary and additional time may be needed for confirmatory tests. A positive result does not necessarily indicate an active infection.

Limitations

Serology might show a positive result even in the absence of active infection due to lasting antibodies. Titers aren't correlated with the severity of infection, as responses vary across individuals and infection types. The test detects 90-100% of amebic liver abscess cases, 80-100% of symptomatic intestinal amebiasis, but only 10-50% in asymptomatic carriers.

Test Details