Parasitology Surveillance Network

 

The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene serves as a Regional Laboratory within CDCs National Parasitology Surveillance Network (PSN), providing specialized parasitology testing and support for laboratories in the region.

 

Mission Statement Our mission is to provide centralized, high-quality parasitology testing, maximizing public health resources and strengthening regional capacity. As part of the National Parasitology Surveillance Network (PSN), we offer fee-exempt diagnostic testing for Visceral Leishmaniasis and surveillance testing for Malaria using PCR methodologies. We also provide fee-for-service testing for Babesia PCR. These services support timely detection and enhanced parasitology surveillance across the region.

Eligibility and Access

• Who can submit:
  • Public health laboratories are eligible to submit specimens for testing.
• Enrollment and approval
  • Pre-approval is not required, however please notify parasitology@slh.wisc.edu prior to sending specimens.
  • Only specimens previously identified as positive for intraerythrocytic parasites qualify for fee-exempt Malaria PCR testing.
  • Please call Customer Service to set-up an account for reporting purposes prior to submitting your first specimen.
• Documentation
  • Every specimen must be submitted with a PSN Requisition form. This is available by calling Customer Service.
  • Ensure the travel history portion has been completed.
• Reporting
  • All results will be reported to the submitter.
  • Positive results will be reported to the State Health Department and CDC.

Tests Available through the PSN

Visceral Leishmaniasis Lateral Flow Assay (fee-exempt)

• Antibody-based assay used for the detection of Leishmania donovoni antigens
• Provided for diagnostic purposes
• Acceptable specimens: serum
• Turnaround time: 1-3 days from receipt in the lab

Malaria PCR (fee-exempt)

• Real-time Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) for the identification of Plasmodium species and mixed infections
• Differentiates P. falciparum, P. ovale, P. vivax, and P. malariae
• Fee-exempt eligibility: We only accept specimens that are known to contain intra-erythrocytic parasites, preferably identified as Plasmodium
• Acceptable specimens: pre-made thin blood smears and EDTA blood
• Turnaround time: 1-7 days from receipt in the lab

Babesia PCR (fee-for-service)

• Real-time Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) for the identification of Babesia microti
• Acceptable specimens: pre-made thin blood smears and EDTA blood
• Turnaround time: 1-7 days from receipt in the lab

Shipping & Contact Information

 

WSLH Shipping Address: Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene CDD Specimen Receiving 2601 Agriculture Drive Madison, WI 53718   CDD Customer Service: Phone: 800-862-1013 Fax: 844-390-6233 Hours: Monday – Friday 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM		View Larger Map

 

Additional Resources

CDC DPDx – Laboratory Identification of Parasites of Public Health Concern

For additional diagnostic assistance, laboratories are encouraged to use CDC’s DPDx, an online resource dedicated to assisting with the identification of parasitic diseases.

• • Educational and reference materials: DPDx provides extensive training modules, image libraries, and identification guides to support accurate parasitology diagnosis.

FAQs

Are all tests performed through the PSN fee‑exempt?

The Visceral Leishmaniasis and Malaria PCR assays are provided at no charge to eligible laboratories. Babesia PCR is subject to standard fees.

Do we need to call before sending a specimen?

Pre‑approval is not required. However, we ask that you notify us if you are sending a specimen through the PSN at parasitology@slh.wisc.edu

Can clinical labs submit blood smears to the PSN for primary diagnostic purposes?

All assays meet CAP and CLIA standard for diagnostic purposes. Due to the critical nature of P. falciparum infections clinical labs should perform the primary diagnosis. Species level identification after that initial diagnosis can aid in treatment decisions.

How do we submit specimens?

Specimen submission instructions are available in our Test Directory, including:

• • Required specimen types
  • Packaging and shipping guidelines
  • Temperature requirements
  • Turnaround times

How will results be reported?

Results are issued to the submitting laboratory via the standard WSLH reporting mechanism (e.g., electronic report, fax, or portal) set-up during submitter account creation. Public health partners such as state epidemiologists may also receive results depending on state reporting practices. The CDC is notified of all nationally notifiable conditions through automatic electronic reporting.

Do you offer consultation for difficult or unusual parasitology cases?

Yes. The PSN program provides expert consultation for unusual blood smear microscopy findings, questions regarding appropriate testing, or interpretation of results.

Are courier or shipping costs fee-emempt?

Shipping costs are the responsibility of the submitting laboratory.