Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis (1391 page)

   Interpretation

   
Expected results:
Negative.

MACROSCOPIC EXAMINATION, PARASITES

   Definition and Use

   Large parasitic pathogens, or fragments, may be isolated from patients. Examples include single proglottids or chains of tapeworm segments, pinworms, or ascarid worms.

   This test is used for identification of parasites by visual inspection.

   The submitted parasite is inspected by the naked eye or with low-power microscopy. Identification is based on specific morphologic features. Speciation of
Taenia
proglottids may be attempted by techniques for evaluation of lateral uterine branches, like injection of India ink through the genital pore.

   The eggs of
T
.
solium
can infect humans. Therefore, great care must be taken in the laboratory when examining
Taenia
proglottids.

   
Turnaround time:
24–48 hours.

   Interpretation

   
Positive result:
A human parasitic pathogen is identified.

   
Negative result:
A nonhuman pathogen or artifact is identified.

   Limitations

   Limited material available for examination. The specimen may have been fragmented or damaged during collection or transport so that specific identification is impossible.