Ova & Parasites Comprehensive

If parasitic infestation is strongly suspected, collect up to 3 stool specimens over a 1-3 day period, since a single specimen can be negative. If Giardia is stronly suspected, please see Giardia Specific Antigen, Test Code 8625X [3471]. Routine Ova and Parasite Concentration and stain may not be adequate for the detection of Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, or Isospora. Test code (s) 37213 (Cryptosporidium AG., DFA)and/or 10018 (Cyclospora and Isospora exam) should be ordered to detect these parasites.

OP

Microscopic Examination of Concentrate Permanent Stained

Fresh stool preserved in 10% Formalin and in PVA, room temperature

1 gram each vial of stool. 25 mL of an unpreserved urine, submitted in a sterile, screw-capped container, refrigerated NOTE: Trichrome stain is not performed on urine.

Fresh stool preserved in formalin and in PVA is acceptable. 25 mL urine in a sterile, screw-capped container is acceptable. Stool in sodium acetate-acetic acid formalin transport vial or Ecofix is only acceptable in place of 10% formalin. Stool in sodium acetate-acetic acid formalin transport vial AND in PVA, room temperture 1 g. Stool in ECOFIX transport vial AND in PVA, room temperature.

Place fresh stool in 10% formalin transport vial, as well as in PVA transport medium, within 1 hour of collection. Add stool to bring the liquid level to the "fill to here" line on the vial. Mix well. Send both specimens at room temperature in the same shipping container. Urine may be submitted unpreserved for exam for Schistosoma. Trichrome stain is not performed on urine. Do not submit first moring specimen. Peak egg secretion occurs between noon and 3 p.m. Deliver urine to laboratory as soon as possible, but before 48 hours.

See Preferred or Acceptable Specimen Criteria

Stool-RT; Urine-2-8C

Stool-RT for 6 months. Urine-2-8C 48 h

Improperly labelled; Improper storage/transport. Rejection Criteria: Unpreserved stool; Specimens containing barium; Stool not in 10% Formalin, PVA, SAF, MIF, Ecofix; Stool received frozen; Stool submitted in expired transport vial; Preserved urine.

Monday-Friday p.m. and night shift, Sat, Sun p.m.; Report available; 5 days

5 days

No ova and parasites seen

Diseases caused by human parasites remain on a worldwide basis among the principle causes fo morbidity and mortality. Correct diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infection depends on proper collection, transport, detection and identification of parasites in stool specimen. Symptoms range form malaise to death. Treatment is dependent upon examing multiple stool exams due to the erratic shed rates of some parasites.