Urine for Schistosomiasis (bilharzia)

Microbiology

Notes

• The information given here is intended for use by healthcare professionals. Please see Lab Tests Online-UK for more general advice, links and background.
• A random urine sample should be collected between the hours of 10.00 am and 2.00 pm
• This should be a complete sample and not just the terminal urine
• A 250 mL collection pot is available from the laboratory on request
• Patients suspected of having schistosomiasis should also have blood samples taken for eosinophils and serology and three stools samples for parasitology
• See also:
  • Schistosome (Bilharzia) antibodies
  • Parasite investigations
• Patients should then be followed up after one year and all the above tests repeated

Sample requirements

A complete urine sample taken between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm into a 250 mL sterile container

Collection instructions for the patient are supplied with the container

Collection instructions

Required information

• Relevant clinical details
• Travel history

Storage/transport

Store and transport at room temperature. Samples should be transported to the laboratory with minimal delay.

Turnaround time

1 - 3 days