Corneal scrapings/biopsy
Last updated: Saturday, 03, April, 2004
MBS Online Search Page: Click here for details
| Item | Process |
|---|---|
| Specimen | Scraping or biopsy from inflamed or ulcerated cornea, processed for microscopy and culture at bedside. |
| Method | Gram stain, DFA and/or PCR testing for chlamydia, culture for bacteria, chlamydia, fungi, viruses and amoebae. Histology and EM. See also Chlamydia trachomatis detection. |
| Application | Diagnosis of cause of keratitis or corneal ulcer, especially if long standing. |
| Interpretation | The cause of keratitis or corneal ulcer can be established by demonstration of the organism involved (eg, Pseudomonas sp, herpes simplex, fungi, or acanthamoebae) in corneal tissue. |
| Reference | Wilhelmus K et al. In: Specter SC ed. Cumitech 13A ASM Press 1994. |