Sign in →

Test Code ASFT Acid Fast Stain, Fecal

Clinical Indications

Modified Acid Fast Staining for the identification of intestinal protozoa (Cyclospora cayetanensis, Cryptosporidium species, and Cystoiospora belli)

Additional Test Codes

Epic Order Code: Acid Fast Stain, Fecal
Sunquest Order Code: ASFT
Px Order Code: LAB4000

Specimen Collection Type

Raw stool in a sterile container or EcoFix preservative (do not fill past the line on the vial)

Bristol stool types 1-7

Raw stool should be submitted to the lab within 30 minutes of collection.

Minimum Collection Volume

5 g or 0.5 mL

Reference Range

Negative

Critical Value

N/A

Interpretation

A positive result indicates the presence of intestinal protozoa.

For the detection of Giardia and Cryptosporidium, fecal antigen testing is recommended.

A single negative result cannot exclude the possibility of infection with intestinal protozoa; a minimum of 3 stool specimens are recommended for optimal sensitivity (1 each day or on alternate days).

This test is not useful for the detection of helminth infections, microsporidia, or free-living amoeba.

Rejection Criteria

Parasite testing is not performed on patients hospitalized >3 days.

Stool in Para-Pak (C&S) vial

Stool contaminated with urine

Specimen Availability for Add-on Testing

7 days

Specimen Stability

In preservative, 7 days at room temperature

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Performing Lab- Department

TUKHS-BH-Microbiology

CPT Code

87206

LOINC Code

655-1

Test Alias

N/A

Additional Information / Notes

Specimen collection should be delayed 7-10 days after administration of barium, castor oil, mineral oil and antidiarrheal medications. Antibiotics may interfere with identification of protozoa.