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Our Comprehensive Reptile Panel (Level 3) is our most extensive faecal screening package for reptiles. It combines worm count microscopy, Giardia and Cryptosporidium antigen testing, and Salmonella and Campylobacter qPCR testing to investigate a wide range of gastrointestinal parasites and selected bacterial pathogens.
By combining these laboratory methods, we can screen for organisms that may not be identified through routine microscopy alone, providing a more detailed assessment of your reptile’s gastrointestinal health.
Our Comprehensive Reptile Panel includes:
This panel is suitable for reptile owners, breeders and veterinary professionals looking for a more comprehensive assessment than a standard reptile worm count or our Extended Reptile Panel (Level 2).
It may be particularly useful for:
This panel is designed for one reptile. Ideally, we recommend collecting faecal material over at least 3 days, following the instructions supplied with your kit. Collecting samples over several days can improve the likelihood of detecting parasites that may be shed intermittently.
If your reptile does not pass faeces every day, samples from two separate bowel movements spanning at least 3 days may be suitable.
We understand that some reptiles pass faeces less frequently than others. If you are unsure about collecting a suitable sample, please contact our laboratory team and we will be happy to advise.
Your kit includes everything needed to collect and securely return your samples, along with free Royal Mail Tracked 24 return postage. Simply follow the instructions provided and return your samples promptly once collection is complete.
All samples are processed and reviewed by our trained laboratory team. Your report will include the findings from microscopy, the results of the Giardia and Cryptosporidium antigen tests, and the Salmonella and Campylobacter qPCR results.
Where appropriate, we provide parasite egg counts and relevant comments to help explain the laboratory findings. Some organisms may be present in healthy reptiles, so results should be considered alongside your reptile’s species, clinical signs and general health.
Every test includes clear laboratory results and free after test advice. If you have any questions about your report, our team is always happy to help. Where necessary, we may recommend discussing the findings with a veterinary surgeon experienced in reptile care.
Our Comprehensive Reptile Panel (Level 3) combines microscopic examination, targeted antigen testing and qPCR molecular testing to provide our broadest faecal screening package for reptiles.
Our laboratory team uses microscopy to examine the submitted faecal sample for gastrointestinal parasite eggs, coccidia and relevant protozoa. Where appropriate, parasite eggs are quantified as eggs per gram (EPG) to provide an indication of the level detected.
The panel also includes Giardia and Cryptosporidium antigen testing, together with targeted Salmonella and Campylobacter qPCR testing. These additional methods allow us to screen for selected intestinal parasites and bacteria that may not be identified through routine microscopic examination alone.
This panel is designed for one reptile. Where possible, we recommend collecting faecal material over at least 3 days, following the instructions supplied with your kit. Collecting samples from different bowel movements may improve the likelihood of detecting parasites that are shed intermittently.
If your reptile passes faeces infrequently, please contact our laboratory team for advice. We understand that collection can vary between reptile species and will be happy to help you obtain a suitable sample.
Your kit will have a minimum use by period of 6 weeks from the date of ordering. The specific use-by date is provided with your kit documentation. Please ensure your samples are collected and returned within this period.
We aim to process and report the microscopy and antigen testing results within 24 hours of your samples arriving at our laboratory.
The Salmonella and Campylobacter qPCR results are normally issued within 5 working days of sample arrival. These tests require additional molecular processing and may therefore be reported separately from the microscopy and antigen results.
Please note: Our laboratory operates Monday to Friday, excluding weekends and bank holidays. Testing timescales are calculated from receipt of the samples at our laboratory and do not include postal transit time.
All samples are processed and reviewed by our trained laboratory team. You will receive clear laboratory reports detailing the findings from each testing method, with relevant interpretative comments where appropriate.
Free after test advice is included with every panel. If you have any questions about your results, our team will be happy to help and can advise when further veterinary assessment may be appropriate.
The Comprehensive Reptile Panel (Level 3) report provides a detailed summary of the findings from microscopic examination, Giardia and Cryptosporidium antigen testing, and Salmonella and Campylobacter qPCR testing.
Each testing method examines different organisms or biological markers, allowing us to provide a broader assessment of potential gastrointestinal parasites and selected bacterial pathogens in the submitted faecal sample.
Nematodes (Roundworms): We examine the sample for relevant nematode eggs, including ascarids, hookworms, pinworms (Oxyuridae), strongyle-type and trichurid-type eggs. Where appropriate, findings are quantified as eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces, providing an indication of egg shedding in the submitted sample.
Cestodes (Tapeworms): We examine the sample for recognisable tapeworm eggs and other identifiable structures. Findings are generally reported qualitatively where detected.
Coccidia: We screen for coccidian oocysts, including Eimeria and Isospora-type organisms where identifiable. Findings are reported according to their microscopic appearance and the limitations of the examination method.
Other Protozoa: We report recognisable protozoal organisms, including ciliated protozoa such as Balantidium and Nyctotherus, where observed. Some of these organisms may naturally occur in the gastrointestinal tract of certain reptiles without necessarily causing disease.
We report the results of targeted antigen testing for Giardia and Cryptosporidium separately as Detected or Not Detected.
These tests detect specific parasite antigens in the faecal sample. A positive result indicates that the relevant antigen was detected but does not necessarily confirm that the organism is responsible for any clinical symptoms.
Our targeted qPCR testing screens for selected Salmonella and Campylobacter DNA in the submitted faecal sample. Results are reported separately for each target as Detected or Not Detected.
Where bacterial DNA is detected, we also provide the quantification cycle (Cq) value, where available. This provides an indication of the relative amount of target DNA detected but does not directly measure the number of living bacteria or establish the severity of infection.
Some reptiles can carry and shed Salmonella or Campylobacter without showing signs of illness. Detection of bacterial DNA therefore does not necessarily confirm that the organism is responsible for gastrointestinal disease.
Where parasite eggs are quantified, results are expressed as eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces. These values provide an indication of egg shedding but do not directly measure the number of adult parasites present or the severity of infection.
A Not Detected result indicates that the target organism or biological marker was not identified by the relevant test in the submitted sample. However, a negative result cannot completely exclude infection, particularly where shedding is intermittent or the amount present is below the detection limit.
All findings are reported with consideration of the reptile species submitted and the relevance of each organism. Results should be interpreted alongside the animal’s clinical signs, husbandry conditions and veterinary history.
Where potentially significant findings are identified, we recommend discussing the results with a veterinary surgeon experienced in reptile medicine before treatment is considered.
Every panel includes clear laboratory results, relevant interpretative comments and free after test advice from our laboratory team.
Turnaround times:
Use by date: The kit has a use by date of at least six weeks from the point of order. Please return the sample before the date shown on the kit.
Your kit includes all the materials needed to safely collect, package and return faecal samples from one reptile to our laboratory for testing.
Please follow the instructions supplied with your kit carefully to ensure your samples are collected and packaged correctly. As this panel includes several testing methods, separate sample portions may be required for microscopy, antigen testing and qPCR.
Once collection is complete, securely package your samples using the materials provided and return them promptly using the prepaid Royal Mail Tracked 24 service.
Please ensure your samples reach our laboratory before the use by date stated on your kit documentation. We recommend posting early in the week, ideally on a Monday or Tuesday, to minimise the risk of delays over the weekend.
Select the appropriate parasite test for your animal(s), or use our quick guide to find the most suitable option.
Collect the sample using your test kit and return it to our laboratory using the free, 24-hour tracked delivery which is included in your kit.
The laboratory team analyses your sample and provides a detailed PDF report via email, with access to our clinical team for further guidance if needed.
