DPDx - Laboratory Identification of Parasitic Diseases of Public Health Concern
As of 5/31/2023, the following tests are back online:
- CDC 10234: Parasites: Morphologic Identification
- CDC 10238: Leishmania Species Identification
- CDC-10239: Trichomonas Susceptibility
- CDC-10456: Babesia serology
- CDC 10457: Baylisascariasis Serology
- CDC 10458: Chagas Disease Serology
- CDC 10459: Cysticercosis Serology
- CDC-10460: Echinococcosis Serology
- CDC-10462: Filariasis Serology
- CDC 10465: Paragonimiasis Serology
- CDC 10466: Schistosomiasis Serology
- CDC 10467: Strongyloidiasis Serology
- CDC-10473: Babesia Molecular Detection
- CDC 10475: Chagas Disease Molecular Detection
- CDC-10480: Malaria Molecular Identification
- CDC 10505: Fascioliasis Serology
- CDC 10520: Malaria: Morphological Identification
CDC only accepts specimens from state health departments and other federal agencies. Please see Who May Submit Specimens to contact your state health department and lab.
Each test request (order) requires preapproval by the CDC Parasitic Diseases Branch. Please contact parasiteslab@cdc.gov to request preapproval to submit specimens. The preapproval for your request will include important details about current submission requirements and forms.
Some assays for detection of parasitic diseases at CDC remain offline. We are working to restart additional testing as soon as possible for each test and will update this communication as soon as we are able.
CDC offers consultation to healthcare providers in the absence of diagnostic testing. Healthcare providers needing assistance with diagnosis or management of suspected cases of parasitic diseases may contact CDC’s Parasitic Diseases Hotline at (404) 718-4745, or e-mail parasites@cdc.gov.
Welcome to DPDx, a website developed and maintained by CDC’s Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria (DPDM). DPDx uses the Internet to strengthen diagnosis of parasitic diseases, both in the United States and abroad. This interactive and rapid exchange of information, allied with already available diagnostic reference resources, will enhance our capacity to address the global problem of parasitic diseases.
For that purpose, DPDx offers two complementary functions:
- A Reference and Training function, in which all users can browse through concise reviews of parasites and parasitic diseases, including an image library and a review of recommended procedures for collecting, shipping, processing, and examining biologic specimens. Most of the material is free of copyright and users are welcome to store and copy material in the public domain (please, kindly cite the source). Copyrighted material includes the life cycle images of Blastocystis and Pneumocystis, and electron micrograph images of Gnathostoma; if users are interested in publishing these items, they must obtain permission from the original copyright holder.
- A Diagnostic Assistance function, in which laboratory and other health professionals can ask questions and/or send digital images of specimens for expedited review and consultation with DPDx staff. This assistance is free of charge.
Potential DPDx applications include:
- Training and continuing education of laboratorians, using material collected by CDC or contributed by other institutions
- Provision to health facilities worldwide of diagnostic assistance by CDC staff backed up when needed by experts from other institutions
- Diagnostic quizzes for self-assessment of laboratorians’ skills
- Informal, early detection of unusually clustered, atypical or emerging parasitic diseases
If you wish to contribute diagnostic images or information of particular interest, or make comments or suggestions, please contact the DPDx team.
A-Z index of Parasitic Conditions
DPDx is an education resource designed for health professionals and laboratory scientists.
DPDx is a website developed and maintained by CDC's Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria (DPDM)
Malaria RDT Training Video
DPDx is a website developed and maintained by CDC's Division...
DPDx is an educational resource designed for health professionals and laboratory scientists. For an overview including prevention, control, and treatment visit www.cdc.gov/parasites/.