Parasitology Section

Introduction.

Parasitology Section of the National Health Laboratory Quality Assurance Training Center (NHLQATC) is a full-service parasite diagnostic section capable of diagnosing infections. This service is provided in an accurate, timely and cost efficient manner. Accurate identification of parasites benefits by helping to improve human health.

The section is overseen by competent Laboratory scientist and technologist who has experience in parasitology and undergone several national and international trainings and competence certified for performing parasitology section test.Serves as a back up to all Hospital Laboratories tests requested in any circumstances like reagents stock outs, Equipment breakdown or in high workload situations faced by Laboratories. In this category, samples are expected to be submitted in bulk/batches.

For customers aiming to use Parasitology section for research, Evaluation, EQA provider consultation, TOTs in Malaria microscopy and Malaria diagnostic advisory    purposes, they will be required to communicate with NHLQATC management for discussion on  Logistic and other items required for intended service requestede. gprotocols to handle research samples and entering into Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Ordering Parasitology tests for routine sample. It is done by just completing a Sample request form (F063) available at this website (link for sample request form). The requirement and nature of the specimen needed for the tests to be requested are clearly stated in the Sample Collection Manual available at this website.(link for sample collection Manual)

Processing of the request

Processing of all submitted requests for Parasitology tests requested will be done as per the NHLQATC standard operating procedures (SOPs) available at the section
Although the NHLQATC has protocols to see patients with any parasitic infection, the overwhelming majority of patients have neurocysticercosis, filarial infections (lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, loiasis, mansonellosis), strongyloidiasis, hookworm infections, ascaraisis, giardiasis, echinococcosis, and leishmaniasis. We occasionally see patients with gnathostomiasis, African trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease, and malaria, among others.

In blood smear microscopy parasitology section include detection and identification of parasites from feces, tissues, fluids, or environmental samples. 

In wet preparation routine parasitological examinations such as:

• Quantitative centrifugation flotation techniques
• Direct fecal smears (wet mounts)
• Baermann technique for recovery of nematode larvae
• Sedimentation technique for recovery of trematode eggs
• Heartworm antigen/antibody testing and Knott’s technique for microfilariae in blood
• Tritrichomonasfoetus

Other services are available, NHLQATC under Parasitology section such as:

• Detection and identification of parasites from feces, tissues, fluids and environmental samples
• Training, supervision and mentorship
• EQA provision
• The section also serves to safeguard public health through the rapid and reliable detection of parasites.
• Nematode larval cultures

Direct immunofluorescent antibody tests for Giardia and Cryptosporidium

• Toxoplasma modified agglutination technique (MAT)
• Fecal egg count reduction tests for the detection of anthelmintic resistance
• Evaluation and Post market surveillance

Tests conducted to identify parasites in feces include:

• Knott’s technique for microfilariae in blood
• Parasite identification - whole parasites, on histological slides, in a biopsy
• KOH digestion of skin scrapings to retrieve ectoparasites
• Qualitative and quantitative centrifugation concentration flotation techniques
• Direct fecal smears (wet mounts)
• Baermann technique for recovery of nematode larvae

Test perfomed at parasitology section

1. Rapid test
   o For detection of Malaria and other heamoparasite
2. Blood smear
   o For wet prepartion e.g. Stool, urine.
   o For Malaria Examination and other haemoparaste
   o Filariasis examination e.g Loa loa
3. Evaluation
   o In Malaria Rapid test, reagent and equipment
4. Quality check
   o In Giemsa stain , and Kits e.g Malaria rapid test
5. Post Market survailance
   o For Rapid test e.g Malaria Rapid test

Service provided 

a) Training
    We offer trainings on various fields specifically in Public health laboratory science, Researches and Field epidemiology.
    Target groups includes - In-service personnel (medical registrars) and student field attachments.

b) Facilitation
    We have skilled national and international facilitators and TOTs for any organized training, workshops and seminars

Areas of facilitation includes but not limited

• Quality management system (QMS)
• Malaria Microscopy Training
• Rapid Test Training
• Biosafety and Biosecurity and IPC
• Laboratory information system (LIS)

c)  Training
    Provides malaria microscopy training for laboratory personnel

d) Mentorship and supportive supervision.
    Provide mentorship and supportive supervision to different laboratories

e) EQA provision
    Prepare, analyze and coordinate EQA samples to other Laboratories.
    With collaboration with PHLB in EQA Blood slide smear