Amoeba Calcofluor Stain
Also known as: ACANTSTAIN
Use
The Amoeba Calcofluor Stain test is used to detect the presence of free-living amoebae such as Acanthamoeba species, Naegleria fowleri, and Balamuthia mandrillaris in corneal scrapings or vitreous fluid. This test is particularly crucial for diagnosing infections caused by these amoebae, which can lead to severe eye diseases and encephalitis. The test uses a calcofluor stain to visualize amoebae under a microscope, providing a qualitative result that is reported within 24 hours of specimen collection.
Special Instructions
Specimens must be collected as corneal scrapings or vitreous fluid and placed in 2 ml of Page's amoeba saline. Dry specimens or those in media/preservatives are not acceptable. Collection kits are available via ARUP supply or contact Client Services.
Limitations
This test is specific to free-living amoebae such as Acanthamoeba spp, Naegleria fowleri, and Balamuthia mandrillaris and may not detect other species of amoebae. The accuracy of the test can be affected by improper specimen collection and stability issues; specimens must meet stability requirements to ensure reliable results. Refrigerated or frozen specimens are unacceptable and will not yield reliable results.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 9781-6
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
2 ml
Container
Page's amoeba saline
Collection Instructions
Collect corneal scrapings or vitreous fluid and place in 2 ml of Page's amoeba saline.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Specimens in media or preservatives, dry specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | Unacceptable |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant