Digital Parasite Identification

WADDL now offers digital parasite identification, allowing clients to submit photos of suspected parasites without the hassle of shipping specimens to a diagnostic lab. Submitted images will be examined by trained laboratory staff, who will provide an official WADDL diagnostic report within as little as 1-3 business hours for established clients. This method is quick and cost-effective for confirming or ruling out parasites.

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Submission guidelines

Image quality

  • Clear, focused images are critical for accurate identification.
  • If using a microscope, submit multiple photos using different objectives/magnifications.
  • For parasites with visible internal structures, take multiple photos at different focal planes.
  • Accurate measurements using a micrometer are necessary. Include width and length measurements with the submission.

External or macroscopic parasites

  • Submit multiple images from different angles to capture structures required for identification (head/mouth, legs, underside, top, posterior end).
  • Include measurements in millimeters or include scale in image.

Patient history

  • Provide a thorough history, including travel history, sample preparation (e.g., fecal flotation, direct smear), and any liquid flotation media used (e.g., water, sugar solution, salt solution).
  • Always state the species from which the parasite was collected.

Identification limitations

  • Digital identification may only be to the genus level or may not be possible.
  • Some parasites may not be identifiable without analysis of internal structures, which may not be possible digitally.
  • If identification cannot be made from images, submission to WADDL for further analysis may be necessary. Please make sure to preserve specimen integrity by refrigerating fecal samples or preserving parasites in alcohol.

WADDL Parasitologists are available to consult to determine if digital identification is feasible prior to submission.

Submission of images

  1. File Format: Images should be in JPEG or PNG format. Short videos can also be uploaded.
  2. File Uploads: The online submission page allows for 4 file uploads. If more than four images need to be submitted, place multiple images in a PDF or Word document and upload.
  3. Microscope Images: Name the file with the objective strength used to take the photo (e.g., 5x, 10x, 20x).
  4. Image Quality: Ensure images are clear and focused.
  5. New Clients: Receiving results may take longer due to account creation.
  6. Initiate Submission: Visit our Digital Parasitology Submission form.