Parasite test for detecting antigens from three intestinal parasites
The parasite test is a chromatographic in vitro diagnostic rapid test for professional use. It qualitatively detects Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium antigens in human faeces. It does not quantify antigen and cannot by itself diagnose an intestinal infection.
What can the detected protozoa cause?
Entamoeba histolytica
E. histolytica is an amoeba that can cause amoebiasis. Infection may be asymptomatic or cause intestinal symptoms and dysentery. In some cases it can spread beyond the intestine and cause a liver abscess.
Giardia lamblia
G. lamblia lives and multiplies in the small intestine. Infection may cause watery diarrhoea, abdominal symptoms, malabsorption, weight loss and dehydration, but may also be asymptomatic.
Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium multiplies in the intestine and is shed in faeces. Its protective shell supports survival in the environment and resistance to chlorine. Infection spreads by the faecal-oral route through contaminated water, food or hands and may cause diarrhoeal illness.
Specimen collection and testing
Collect faeces in a clean, dry and waterproof container. For solid specimens, sample at least three different sites and collect about 50 mg in total. For liquid specimens, add two drops, approximately 80 µl, to the extraction tube. Shake vigorously and leave for two minutes.
Bring cassette, specimen and buffer to 15–30 °C. Add three full drops of extracted specimen to each of the three sample wells. Read at 10 minutes and not after 20 minutes.
Interpreting the result
Positive: C and T lines in the relevant parasite window. Any visible T line, however faint, is positive.
Negative: C line only. A negative result does not exclude infection; persistent symptoms require further clinical investigation.
Invalid: no C line. Repeat with a new cassette.
Performance reported by the manufacturer
- E. histolytica: relative sensitivity 97.7%, specificity 99.2%
- G. lamblia: relative sensitivity 94.5%, specificity 97.6%
- Cryptosporidium: relative sensitivity 96.7%, specificity 98.0%
These figures are based on comparison with another rapid test and do not mean that this test alone confirms or excludes infection.
Kit contents and storage
- test cassette
- specimen collection tube with extraction buffer
- dropper
- package insert
A specimen container and timer are also required. Store at 2–30 °C in the sealed pouch. Do not freeze. During winter, choose pickup-point parcel delivery.
Use: for healthcare professionals and in vitro diagnostic use only. The product has not been evaluated for home use.
Importer: Abcell Oy
Order the parasite test for preliminary detection of antigens from three protozoa.
