Bioscreen Parasite Test by PCR Testing

Bioscreen use a twostep Multiplexed Tandem PCR system for parasite testing. This is more sensitive than microscopic examination that is often performed by routine pathology laboratories. Bioscreen includes appropriate ‘control’ samples to ensure the accuracy of our testing.

Bioscreen tests for the following parasites:

• Entamoeba histolytica
  E. histolytica is the cause of amoebic colitis, amoebic dysentery and amoebic liver abscess. Worldwide, there are about 100,000 deaths per year due to infection with this parasite. It is transmitted through the faecal-oral route and the infection can be asymptomatic. The parasite causes tissue destruction and inflammation.
• Dientamoeba fragilis
  D. fragilis infects humans and some domestic animals. The parasite is spread by the faecal-oral route. The highest incidence of D. fragilis recovered from faecal sample is during the winter season.
• Cryptosporidium
  Cryptosporidium is spread between humans by the faecal - oral route. Infection is usually associated with the consumption of contaminated water or food.
• Giardia
  G. intestinalis is the most commonly diagnosed parasite. It is the main non-viral cause of diarrhoea in developed countries. Spread between humans is by the faecal -oral route. Infection is associated with the consumption of contaminated water or food. It colonizes the small intestine, causing Giardiasis.
• Blastocystis
  Blastocystis is a protozoan which colonizes humans and some other animals. Spread between humans is most likely faecal-oral usually by ingestion of contaminated food and water. Blastocystis may be classified into different subspecies: Subspecies 1 and 3 have been reported in humans with symptoms. The Bioscreen assay distinguishes Subspecies 1 and Subspecies 3.

This fee is for the interpretation of your results and your health plan moving forwards; you pay Bioscreen directly for the test. (AUD$260 including international freight).

The parasite test will report on the absence or presence of the seven parasites we test for if your sample.

There are 3 options for this Test:

1. Pay for the test directly with Bioscreen and have me interpret the results for you.  Currently the test is AUD$260 including postage to send your sample via International Courier which you can book from the convenience of your home.
2. Order the Test through me and I will arrange for it to be despatched to you and you return it directly to Bioscreen, and have me interpret the results for you.
3. Have a consultation before your test, complete your test ordered through me, and a post-test consultation.

The test kit is valid for 3 months so if you do buy it and can't do it straight away because you are not well, that is okay.  The test does need to be done on a Monday and despatched by courier the same day - it is packaged with ice packs to keep the sample stable in transit, however it does need to be back in Melbourne, Australia, within 3 days of doing the test.

Bioscreen does not recommend you doing this test whilst they or the country you sending from are in Lockdown as the courier service cannot guarantee the Express Service required for this test.

Click the link below to see how the sample collection for the test is done, and for more detailed information of what is in the test results.