Parasitology Diagnostic Laboratory
Contact Information
Susan Madison-Antenucci, Ph.D.
(518) 474-4177
Links
Proficiency Testing Program(518) 474-4177
Certification Information
CLIA# 33D2005937
PFI# 8523
General Information:
The Parasitology Laboratory is composed of three main programs: service, certification, and research. Specifically, this laboratory serves as the New York State public health reference laboratory. It is responsible for: identification of parasitic pathogens; investigation of outbreaks of parasitic disease; continuing education of clinical laboratory personnel; administration of a proficiency testing program; active surveillance for reportable parasitic diseases; consultation with federal and statewide health personnel on problems related to parasitic diseases; as well as both applied and basic research.
The program receives state and federal funds to perform reference testing of specimens submitted for parasite culture, and of blood or stool samples submitted for parasite identification using a variety of techniques.
Current diagnostic techniques and testing include:
- Identification of all parasitic protozoa and helminths:
- Direct Microscopic Techniques
- Direct Fluorescent Antibody
- Immunoabsorbent Assay
- Formalin Concentration
- Modified Acid Fast Stain
- Trichrome Stain
- Modified Trichrome Stain
- Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Polymerase Chain Reaction (RFLP-PCR)
- Identification of all bloodborne parasites:
- Giemsa Stain
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
- Real-time PCR (rt PCR)
Investigative Research:
The overall goals of this program are to study the metabolic pathways of parasitic protozoa which may serve as drug targets, and thereby contribute to the development of new therapies against human parasitic disease. The laboratory also performs applied research for better clinical diagnosis of newly emerging parasites of humans within New York State, including PCR and/or Real-time PCR for malaria and babesiosis.