Specimen Collection
Specimens:
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Corneal Scraping
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Corneal Biopsy
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Contact lens
Note: Contact lens cases are no longer accepted for culture.
For specimen collection, see:
Corneal scrapings
Turnaround Time:
Microscopy is available Monday to Friday.
A positive report is issued immediately after growth occurs.
A negative report is issued after 10 days incubation.
Diagnostic Use and Interpretation
Corneal ulceration and uveitis can be caused by Acathamoeba spp. The former is serious, producing a chronic progressive ulcerative lesion that may result in blindness. Infection commonly follows mild corneal trauma. A major risk factor is the use of contact lenses, predominantly daily wear or extended-wear soft lenses. Patients with this infection are more likely than controls to use home-made saline instead of commercially prepared saline, disinfect their lenses less frequently than recommended and wear their lenses while swimming.
The diagnosis can be confirmed by demonstrating typical wrinkled, double walled cysts in corneal biopsies or scrapings. Culture of corneal tissue and contact lenses is frequently successful.
Molecular testing (PCR) for acanthamoeba can also be performed at Canterbury Health Laboratories.
See:
Acanthamoeba PCR
Contact Information
For further information, contact the Microbiology Department via Lablink or the Clinical Microbiologist:
Lablink contact details
Dr Sally Roberts
, Microbiologist:
ext 22705
Cellphone
021 674 140
Dr Sharmini Muttaiyah
, Microbiologist:
ext 22700
Cellphone
021 615 892
Dr Mary de Almeida
, Microbiologist:
ext 22700
Cellphone
021 170 9117
Dr Matthew Blakiston
, Microbiologist: contact via Lablink
Specimen Transport Instructions for Referring Laboratories
Corneal Scrapes and Corneal Biopsies:
send sample in small aliquot of sterile Ringers solution at ambient temperature.