Cryptosporidium Reference Unit
Information:
Contact us
Core reference services and guide to investigations
- Differential diagnosis and confirmation of referred isolates of Cryptosporidium,
- Specialist testing for the detection of Cryptosporidium in immunocompromised patients at high risk
- Typing of referred isolates to support outbreak/cluster investigations and for epidemiological surveillance
- Evaluation of new laboratory methods for Cryptosporidium
- Provision of positive control and training materials
- Consultation advice on diagnostic methods and management of cryptosporidiosis
- Advice on the investigation, epidemiology, control and prevention of Cryptosporidium
- R&D activities in relation to our reference functions
| Investigation | Samples required | Tests performed | Turnaround time (depends on complexity and current workload) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confirmation |
Stool DNA (min 20µl) – by prior arrangement |
Microscopy PCR |
2 working days |
| Specialist testing of immunocompromised patients at high risk from Cryptosporidium |
Stool (minimum 2 scoops) Other specimen types as indicated |
Microscopy (including immunofluorescence) PCR-based tests |
Positive findings will be reported within the next working day PCR offered weekly |
|
Typing of Cryptosporidium1 isolates (species/genotype) for epidemiological purposes and for the investigation of clusters/outbreaks Further characterisation is at the discretion of the Unit Head or following consultation |
Cryptosporidium- positive stools (minimum 2 scoops, ideally without preservative but if formalin has been added, this should be noted on the form) DNA (min 20µl) – by prior arrangement |
PCR-based tests | 5-10 working days (may be reduced during outbreak investigations) |
| Typing from Cryptosporidium-positive water and environmental slides | Please see our water and environmental services webpage for details |
- In Wales, Giardia genotyping is also undertaken but may have a longer turnaround time. ↩︎
How to obtain services
Use the Cryptosporidium Reference Unit form.
For Giardia please use the form supplied by the reference unit.
Sample transportation
- Samples should be sent in packaging appropriate to current legislation, accompanied by a referral form (available to download above) detailing putative diagnosis, patient or sample details and relevant (clinical) history.
- Send either by Royal Mail, HAYSDX or other Courier Services.
- Cryptosporidium positive stools for typing may be batched prior to sending to us if this is more convenient for you. Please store faeces in a refrigerator.
- Category 3 organisms: Requests for work on samples also known to contain organisms in ACDP Hazard Group 3 must be clearly marked.
Charges
Stool testing service is free of charge to all NHS Trust, UKHSA and Public Health Wales laboratories in England and Wales, to whom Cryptosporidium positive control stools for microscopy and enzyme immunoassays can be supplied on request.
Charges for investigations for other purposes are reviewed annually and can be supplied on request.
Further information
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Data
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