Ova and Parasites with Giardia Antigen

Test Code

1748

Includes

Ova and Parasites, Concentrate and Permanent Smear
Giardia Antigen, EIA, Stool

Preferred Specimen

Stool collected in Sterile Cup
(Can be liquid)

Patient Preparation
Interfering substances: Bismuth, barium (wait 7-10 days), antimicrobial agents (wait 2 weeks), gallbladder dye (wait 3 weeks after procedure)

Minimum Volume

5 grams or 5 mL

Transport Container

Total-Fix transport vial or 10% formalin and polyvinyl alcohol transport vials

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Total-Fix
Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable

10% Formalin
Room temperature: 18 months
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Unpreserved stool • Specimens containing barium • Stool preserved in medium other than those listed as acceptable

Methodology
Concentration with Microscopic Exam • Trichrome Stain • Immunoassay (IA)

Reference Range

See individual tests

Clinical Significance

Giardiasis is recognized as an important human intestinal disease in most areas of the world. The causative organism, Giardia duodenalis (lamblia) is the most frequently identified protozoan parasite in stool specimens submitted to public health laboratories. This parasite has been implicated in a number of epidemics and the endemicity in the U.S., is well recognized. Acute symptoms of Giardiasis may include diarrhea, malabsorption, abdominal cramps, anorexia, nausea, weight loss, flatulence, anemia, and general weakness lasting from several weeks to several months. Chronic infections can also occur with or without an acute phase, are often associated with treatment failure and may result in recurrent symptoms. Infection with Giardia may also be asymptomatic.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.