Test Code MACAC Culture, Acanthamoeba
Laboratory Code
LAB3041097
Specimen Requirements
Submit only one of the following
Specimen Type: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), contact lens, contact lens solution, tissue, corneal scrapings
Container/Tube: Sterile screw-capped container with 1.0 mL Page saline
Volume: Fluids 2.0 mL, CSF 1.0 mL
Minimum Volume: Fluids 1.0 mL, CSF 0.5 mL
For biopsies and corneal scraping:
1. Obtain Page saline from NUH Microbiology Laboratory.
2. Put specimen in Page saline.
For fluid specimens, send as neat sample in a sterile container.
Specimen Stability
Specimen Type | All types |
---|---|
Ambient | Submit sample to lab immediately |
Refrigerate | NA |
Frozen | Unacceptable |
Methodology
Culture
Days and Times Performed
Monday through Sunday, TAT 10 - 14 days
Reference Interval
Acanthamoeba not isolated.
Critical Values: Clinician will be informed of positive result.
Testing Laboratory
National University Hospital
Clinical Microbiology, 67724343
Useful For
Diagnosis of infection with free-living amoeba such as Acanthamoeba spp. This includes ocular infections, or rarely central nervous system infections.
Service Code
23029
LOINC Code Information
9781-6
Update
Last updated 17/3/2025
Unacceptable Condition
Specimen on slides, swab specimen, specimen in Universal Transport Medium (UTM) or in boric acid.
Special Instruction
Inform Microbiology Laboratory one day in advance before sending sample is required.