National Reference Centre for Parasitology
Centre national de référence en parasitologie
With the collaboration of Quebec Public Health laboratory,
Institute of Parasitology, mcgill University,
Research institute of mcgill University Health Centre
Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, Health Canada.
Avec la collaboration du laboratoire de santé publiquedu Québec,
Institut de parasitologie, université Mcgill
Institut de Recherche du Centre Universitaire de Santé McGill
Laboratoire de lutte contre la maladie, Santé Canada.
Leishmania species shipping instructions
The shipment of Leishmania diagnostic specimens is improved significantly if the
biopsy, aspirate or scraped material is shipped in a transport medium. A 1-2 mm punch
biopsy specimen will be more likely to produce a positive result (because of the
volume) than a scraping or aspirate. The transport media can be couriered to you
immediately on request.
Medium For Leishmania Biopsy
1.
The flasks containing 4ml of medium for Leishmania biopsy should be stored at 4
degrees C. until use.
2.
On a day of biopsy removal, bring flask with medium to room temperature before
adding the specimen. All manipulation with the medium should be performed in a
sterile environment.
Sampling and Shipment Instructions For Leishmania PCR And Culture
1) Remove the biopsy in a sterile condition. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
If cutaneous Leishmaniasis is suspected, take biopsy from the periphery of the
lesion.
If visceral Leishmaniasis is suspected send a bone marrow aspirate and send a serum
sample for serological testing.
2) Place the biopsy in the flask with the media and keep at room temperature .
3) Label flask with patient name/number on the designated writing space on the flask.
Do not attach a paper label.
4) Tightly wrap the flask cover with parafilm.
For Shipping
1. Place flask in an upright position in the box.
2. Fill out the NRCP requisition form and include it in the shipment.
3. Do not add ice, ice pack, or dry ice.
4. Place both labels entitled “Keep at Room Temperature” and “Keep Upright”
on the shipment box.
5. Please call us when shipping specimen
Shipping address
Dr Momar Ndao
National Reference Centre for Parasitology
The Montreal general hospital
1650 Cedar Ave, Rm R3-137
Montreal, Quebec H3G 1A4
tel/fax 514-934-8347
momar.ndao@mcgill.ca