John Bahre, Microbiologist II
Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories
Telephone Number: 785-296-3718

The Parasitology section identifies intestinal parasites. Identification of parasitic insects and blood parasites is available through outside reference laboratories. Fecal parasitic examination includes both the examination of a concentrated specimen as well as a stained slide. Examination of urine for schistosomiasis is also available. Cryptosporidium , Cyclospora, and Microsporidia testing are available upon request but are not routinely performed. Specimens to be tested for Microsporidia are sent to the Centers for Disease Control for analysis. Examinations for pinworms are provided to health departments only and a collection kit is available for these sites. Specimens sent to the laboratory should be in kits that the laboratory supplies or in commercially available kits. Suspected worms should be sent in normal saline in a secure bottle. Blood and blood films for the screening and/or confirmation of malaria and babesiosis will be sent to CDC for confirmation.