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Test Code OAP Ova and Parasites, Fecal

Clinical Indications

Concentrated wet mount preparation and trichrome staining for the identification of parasitic protozoa, helminth eggs, and helminth larva

Additional Test Codes

Epic Order Code: Ova and Parasites, Fecal
Sunquest Order Code: OAP
Px Order Code: LAB4050

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 parasites.

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

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

This test is not optimal for the detection of free-living amoeba, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, or pinworms.

Rejection Criteria

NOTE: Giardia and Cryptosporidium are the most common cause of parasitic diarrhea in residents of the United States without a history of international travel. Cryptosporidium and Giardia antigen tests will be performed when parasitology testing is requested on stool, unless the requisition indicates foreign travel or parasite(s) other than Cryptosporidium or Giardia.

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

87209

LOINC Code

673-4

Test Alias

O AND P

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.