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Test Code O/P Local Ova and Parasite Examination

Important Note

No more than 3 specimens will be tested without consultation.  Specimens ordered after the 4th hospital day will not be accepted. 

A comprehensive ova and parasite exam may be requested by calling the Microbiology Lab.

Performing Laboratory

Memorial Hospital-Microbiology Laboratory       304-388-9353

Specimen Requirements

Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen. Maintain sterility and forward promptly. Avoid recent antibiotics, X-ray contrast material, antidiarrheal medications, antacids, bismuth, or oil instillation.

Fresh stool

  1. Place collected stool in a tightly-sealing, leakproof container.
  2. Fresh stool should be received in laboratory within 72 hours of collection. If there is a delay in transit, put specimen in a Para-Pak.

Preserved stool

  1. Stool specimen should be submitted in a tightly sealed leakproof container.
  2. For protozoans, a fresh, semiliquid stool uncontaminated with water or extraneous material is mandatory.

Specimen Rejection

  • Failure to follow proper labeling, collection, transport and storing policies

Storage and Stability

Specimens will be held in the Microbiology Laboratory for 3 days.

Reference Values

No ova or parasites seen

Methodology

Giardia and Cryptosporidium by Immunoassay

If Strongyloides is suspected, a serum antibody test is best.

Days Test Set Up and Turnaround

Monday through Saturday

CPT Coding

87269-Giardia

87272-Cryptosporidium