Diagnostic Parasitology Laboratory (DPL)
The Diagnostic Parasitology Laboratory (DPL) supports the Center’s diagnostic investigations and conducts research. A variety of procedures are used to identify eukaryotic parasites, including the use of morphological characters, dichotomous taxonomic keys and DNA sequence analysis.
Parasitology Laboratory Capabilities
Laboratory diagnostic procedures:
- Processing of protozoal, helminth or ectoparasites of birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and fish for identification using morphological characters and by PCR amplification/DNA sequencing of a variety of genes.
- Fecal and blood tests for identification of parasites.
- Collection and examination of intermediate and definitive hosts for identification of larval and adult stages of parasites.
- Identification of parasites in H&E tissue sections.
- Archiving parasite specimens for reference and study. NWHC collection has over 13,000 specimens for comparison and study.
Parasitology Diagnostic Tests
The following is a reference guide to commonly requested tests. It is not a full list of testing capabilities of the laboratories. Determination of which test will be run on any given submission will be based on case history, gross findings at necropsy, and the scientific judgment of the case pathologist.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details