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Parasitology Testing

Parasitology Testing

Parasitology Specimen Collection and Transport

No cost associated with this testing.

Parasitology specimens are only accepted from medical providers. If you think you may need this test, please speak with your healthcare provider so they can determine if it is necessary and provide an order for a specific test before contacting IDOHL. 

  1. Most specimens will be referred to the CDC or other reference laboratory for testing.
  1. Acceptable specimens will vary based on parasite testing needs. Please visit the CDC Testing website at https://www.cdc.gov/laboratory/specimen-submission/list.html for requirements or contact the Enteric supervisor at 317-921-5853.
  1. Specimen types can include serum, stool in Cary Blair, stool in formalin, whole blood, skin tissue, and others.
  1. Specimen samples must be received following the guidelines from CDC or the Enteric supervisor. If samples are required to be frozen, they must be shipped to IDOHL on dry ice.
  1. All specimens must arrive at the lab as soon as possible.

Sample materials will vary depending on desired parasitology test.

CDC 50.34 Specimen Submission Form is required for submission. 

  • Samples must also be entered into LIMSNet and WILL NOT be accepted unless properly entered.
  • Samples should be submitted under the Enterics testing option in LIMSNet.
  • Confirm the specimen container is appropriately labeled with the patient’s full name, DOB, and collection date.
  • Confirm the information on the container is identical to the information entered into LIMSNet and on the CDC 50.34 form.
  • Check expiration date of specimen container to ensure the product is acceptable and will continue to be acceptable once received at the IDOH Laboratory and CDC or other reference laboratory.
  1. Wrap the labeled specimen container with absorbent material and place in the inner (primary) shipping canister.
  1. Place LIMSNet submission cover page in outer container or in plastic bag to prevent contamination from specimen.
  1. Place the inner shipping canister and submission cover page into the outer (secondary) shipping canister.
  1. Affix a mailing label to the outer canister with a return address and appropriate postage.
  1. Specimens should be shipped to arrive at IDOHL Monday through Friday. It is not recommended to ship specimens which will be in transit over the weekend or holiday.
  1. Specimen temperature requirements must be maintained during shipping.
  1. Ship to: 
    Attn: Enterics Laboratory 
    Indiana Department of Health Laboratory 
    550 W 16th St Suite B 
    Indianapolis, IN 46202 
    317-921-5500

Reporting Method: Email, fax, or LIMSNet 
TAT: 3-8 weeks 
Test Referral:  Samples will likely be forwarded to the CDC or regional lab for testing. Projected TAT listed above does account for time required for most forwarded samples.