Clinical Diagnostic Parasitology Laboratory (CDPL)

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Clinical Diagnostic Parasitology Laboratory (CDPL)

A researcher wearing a dark lab coat and blue gloves examines a petri dish containing mixed microbial growth, lifting it from a lightbox surface covered with multiple other petri dishes showing diverse colonies in various colours and textures. The cultures display moulds, bacteria, and fungi in patterns of green, yellow, orange, and black. In the background, more stacked petri dishes and lab equipment are visible, highlighting laboratory work in microbiology and pathogen research.

CDPL is a UKAS-accredited laboratory offering specialist parasitology testing and diagnosis for a wide range of human parasites and parasitic infections.

The laboratory takes part in national NEQAS external quality assurance schemes for blood and faecal parasitology, malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and parasite serology, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.

CDPL accepts samples from NHS and UKHSA laboratories, private hospitals and private diagnostic services. All specimens must be referred by a registered healthcare professional.

The laboratory cannot accept samples directly from patients.

Using CDPL

CDPL performs a wide range of specialist tests for the identification of human parasites. Our user handbook provides guidance on sample requirements, test information, and interpretation of results, helping users through every stage of the diagnostic process.

If you wish to send samples to CDPL, please download the user handbook and CDPL request form below.

A researcher wearing a dark lab coat and blue gloves examines a petri dish containing mixed microbial growth, lifting it from a lightbox surface covered with multiple other petri dishes showing diverse colonies in various colours and textures. The cultures display moulds, bacteria, and fungi in patterns of green, yellow, orange, and black. In the background, more stacked petri dishes and lab equipment are visible, highlighting laboratory work in microbiology and pathogen research.

Advice for GPs and primary care

Send your requests and samples via your local hospital pathology department. This may speed up test results and invoicing procedures.