Release Date: Jun 2018
CC: PC, MK, PBL, ICS, PR, SBP
Maria L. Brock, MT(ASCP)SH, ART
Manager of Hematology, Florida Hospital, Orlando, FL
Shiela Black, MHM, BSMT(ASCP)
Laboratory Coordinator, Florida Hospital, Orlando, FL
Description:
In any amoeba case, time is of the essence, but most especially with Naegleria fowleri, also known as the “Brain-Eating Amoeba.” The faster a positive identification of amoeba in CSF can be made, the faster the treatment can be initiated in suspected cases of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a disease that is 97% fatal. This webcast will review the epidemiology and case studies involving patients diagnosed with PAM and describe the laboratory’s critical role in early detection and diagnosis. We will also review best laboratory practices for rapid detection of amoeba in suspected cases of PAM, and provide insight into potentially successful treatment outcomes when early detection occurs.
After attending this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe the epidemiology of amoeba infection.
- Define best laboratory practices for discovery of amoeba from CSF.
- Identify amoeba in a wet preparation as well as a stained slide.
Who should attend? Practicing Pathologists, Residents, Doctoral Scientists, Laboratory Managers, Bench Supervisors, Bench Technologists and Technicians, Students