Schistosoma – Serology

*Uncontrolled print copy. Valid only on day of print: 18 May 2022.

Specimen Collection and Handling

Specimen Requirements

Test Requested	Required Requisition(s)	Specimen Type	Minimum Volume	Collection Kit
Schistosoma serology, or Schistosoma haematobium, or Schistosomiasis, Bilharzia	General Test Requisition	Whole blood or serum	5.0 ml whole blood or 1.0 ml serum	Vacutainer tubes (SST)

Submission and Collection Notes

Provide symptoms and date of onset on the General Test Requisition Form if diagnostic testing is required.

Limitations

Haemolysed, icteric, lipemic or microbially contaminated sera or plasma are not recommended for testing.

Accuracy of Schistosoma serology may be limited by cross-reactivity with other helminth co-infections, including trichinosis and filariasis. Clinical correlation is suggested, along with parasitologic testing.

Accuracy of this test in isolated Schistosoma japonicum infection is unknown. Further assessment of performance characteristics in-house is ongoing.

Manufacturer’s reported sensitivity and specificity 100% and 85%, respectively. Compared to the CDC Schistosoma serologic assay, sensitivity is 100%, however, specificity is likely limited in the low-positive range of the assay.

Preparation Prior to Transport

Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.

Special Instructions

Centrifuge if using SST. Place specimen in biohazard bag and seal.

Requisitions and Kit Ordering

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

Schistosoma spp. IgG serology testing is performed once per week.

Turnaround time is up to 10 days from receipt by PHO laboratory.

Reporting

Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.

Test Methods

Schistosoma spp. IgG serology test is performed using an Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA).

Interpretation

An “indeterminate” range has been introduced, and an indeterminate result should be interpreted in the clinical context of the patient.