T5017 - E. HISTOLYTICA II
A second generation monoclonal antibody-based ELISA for detecting Entamoeba histolytica adhesin in fecal specimens.
Entamoeba histolytica/dispar is an intestinal parasite that infects approximately a half billion persons worldwide annually. Of the huge number of individuals infected, about 10% become symptomatic and develop colitis and liver abscesses, resulting in a mortality rate estimated between 40,000 and 120,000 persons a year. Patients infected with pathogenic E. histolytica may show a wide range of conditions. Some may be asymptomatic; others may show mild diarrhea that develops into bloody diarrhea and eventually fulminant colitis. Approximately 10% of patients with invasive amebiasis develop liver abscesses. The E. HISTOLYTICA II is a monoclonal antibody-based ELISA for the rapid detection of adhesin and also indicates the presence of the organism in feces as a diagnostic aid. It is the only test on the market that specifically detects E. histolytica.
Features
- Rapid (results within 2.5 hours)
- Easy to perform
- Highly specific for E. histolytica
- Highly standardized
Further Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the E. HISTOLYTICA II test detect cysts?
A: No, it detects an antigen called lectin (or adhesin) that allows the trophozoites to adhere to the intestinal wall before invasion. However, the test is highly sensitive because trophozoites, secreted antigen and cysts are shed into the feces during an active infection. The test has been found to be more sensitive than microscopy.
Q: Can I use preserved samples?
A: No, the test can only be used on Fresh or Frozen samples.
Q: What is the CPT code for the E. HISTOLYTICA II test?
A: According to the 2006 coding, the CPT code is 87337.