Basics of Diagnostics

Question 1

What are 2 GENERAL categories of parasite Detection?

Answer 1

1. The Parasite
   -Adult
   -Offspring (ova or larva)
2. Serology
   -Antigens
   -Antibodies

Question 2

What are the 2 factors of Reliability of Parasite Diagnostics?

Answer 2

Sensitivity and Specificity

Question 3

If a test does not have enough SENSITIVITY, you need to be on the lookout for ________________________

Answer 3

FALSE NEGATIVES
-Look at Clinical Signs
-Perform Multiple Tests

Question 4

If a test does have enough SPECIFICITY, you need to be on the lookout for ____________________________.

Answer 4

FALSE POSITIVES
-May be a Pseudoparasite

Question 5

A test’s SENSITIVITY is its________________________________

Answer 5

True Positive Rate

Question 6

A test’s SPECIFICITY is its________________________________

Answer 6

True Negative Rate

Question 7

For what GENERAL body locations would you use a fecal sample for diagnostics?

Answer 7

Digestive Tract
Respiratory Tract

Question 8

What SPECIFIC body locations are included in the Digestive Tract for purposes of identifying parasites with a fecal sample?

Answer 8

Esophagus
Stomach
Liver
Biliary Ducts
Intestines

Question 9

Fecal samples should be fresh since rapid changes occur in what 3 organisms/stages

Answer 9

Ova
Larva
Protozoans

Question 10

What changes may have occurred in an old fecal sample that would make an accurate diagnosis difficult?

Answer 10

Ova embryonated
Oocysts sporulated
Protozoans Dead
Pseudoparasites