ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Acanthamoeba and Naegleria Culture : 0060245

Mnemonic: ACANT

Methodology: Qualitative Culture/Microscopy
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: 2-10 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Corneal scrapings, vitreous fluid or tissue.

Specimen Preparation: Place corneal scrapings, vitreous fluid, or tissue in 2 mL of Page's amoeba saline (ARUP supply #31917). Available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact Client Services at (800) 522-2787.

Storage/Transport Temperature: Room temperature.

Remarks: Specimen source preferred.

Unacceptable Conditions: Specimens in media or preservatives.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 72 hours; Refrigerated: Unacceptable; Frozen: Unacceptable
Reference Interval:
Negative
Interpretive Data: This culture will detect free-living amoeba such as Acanthamoeba species and Naegleria fowleri, but will NOT detect Balamuthia mandrillaris.
Note: For CSF refer to Acanthamoeba and Naegleria Culture and Stains, CSF (ARUP test code 2002584). For Entamoeba histolytica detection refer to Entamoeba histolytica Antigen, EIA (ARUP test code 0058001).
CPT Code(s): 87081
Cross References: Naegleria Culture (Acanthamoeba and Naegleria Culture)