What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing symptoms like severe headache, stiff neck, fever, eye pain, or vision changes after exposure to warm fresh water, soil, or contact lens use in unclean conditions. It helps identify rare but serious infections caused by free-living amebae that can affect the brain, eyes, skin, or lungs. Because these infections can progress quickly, this culture helps confirm whether amebae are the cause of your symptoms.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with a clear explanation of what a positive or negative culture means. If the culture comes back positive, this is a medical emergency and you should seek immediate medical care, since these infections can move fast and need urgent treatment. If negative and symptoms continue, retesting or additional workup may still be needed. A standard lab report is available for download from your account, and you can track results over time using the trends feature.

What's included in this test?

This culture specifically tests for two organisms: Acanthamoeba species and Naegleria fowleri. These are free-living amebae found in soil, fresh water, sewage, and sludge that can cause serious infections such as amoebic encephalitis, keratitis (eye infection), and primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. Testing for these two organisms together makes sense because they share overlapping environmental exposure sources like fresh water and soil, and both can cause severe, rapidly progressing disease if not identified quickly. Note: this test does not detect intestinal amebae such as Entamoeba histolytica, which requires a separate Ova and Parasites test.

How can I naturally support recovery from amebic exposure?

There's no natural remedy that treats or prevents Acanthamoeba or Naegleria infections, so don't rely on home remedies if you have concerning symptoms. The most protective steps are avoiding warm untreated fresh water activities like nose-first submersion in lakes or hot springs, and always cleaning contact lenses with sterile solution rather than tap water. If symptoms like headache, fever, or eye pain appear after exposure, treat it seriously and seek care right away rather than waiting.

When will I get my results?

Results for this culture test typically take about 7 days, since ameba cultures need time to grow in the lab before they can be examined. You'll be notified as soon as your results are ready in your account. If your symptoms are severe or worsening while waiting, don't wait for results — seek medical care immediately.

Who should consider this test?

This test is best for people who have neurological symptoms, eye pain, or skin lesions after known exposure to warm fresh water, soil, or contaminated contact lens solution. It's also useful for people who wear contact lenses and develop unexplained eye pain, redness, or blurred vision. Because these infections are rare but severe, this test is typically considered when common causes have been ruled out or exposure history raises concern.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for symptoms like sudden severe headache, fever, stiff neck, confusion, or loss of balance, especially after swimming or diving in warm lakes, rivers, or hot springs. For eye-related infection, look for persistent eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, or blurred vision, particularly if you wear contact lenses. Skin infections may show up as slow-healing sores or nodules in people with weaker immune systems.

What is Acanthamoeba/Naegleria infection and why does it matter?

Acanthamoeba and Naegleria are tiny organisms that live naturally in soil and fresh water but can cause serious infections in humans under certain conditions. Naegleria fowleri can cause a rapidly progressing brain infection when contaminated water enters through the nose, while Acanthamoeba more often causes eye infections or slower brain infections. Understanding these organisms matters because quick identification can be the difference between mild and life-threatening outcomes.

What does a positive culture result mean?

A positive result means amebae were found growing in your sample, confirming an active infection with Acanthamoeba or Naegleria. This is considered a serious finding and requires urgent medical attention, since these infections can worsen quickly without treatment. Don't wait to act on a positive result — seek care right away.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your culture comes back positive, treat it as urgent and seek medical care immediately rather than waiting or trying to manage symptoms on your own. Bring your lab report with you, since it documents the specific organism identified. Continue monitoring for worsening symptoms like confusion, severe headache, or vision loss, and go to an emergency room if these occur.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Acanthamoeba/Naegleria Culture - Brain & Eye Infection Test

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Acanthamoeba & Naegleria Amoeba Infection Culture Test