Recommended only for patients with diarrhea who have a history of travel to endemic areas, have prolonged symptoms in the absence of positive stool cultures and Cryptosporidium/Giardia antigen, or have unexplained eosinophilia. For U.S. residents with no history of recent overseas travel, Cryptosporidium/Giardia antigen is recommended as the initial test.
Patient Preparation
Stool specimen collection should be delayed for 5 to 10 days after barium administration and at least 2 weeks after use of antibiotics.
EPIC code
LAB955
Collect
For stool specimens, us the ParaPak two vial system, can be acquired by contacting the laboratory. Ideally three specimens over a period of three to six days should be submitted before considering a patient truly negative. Test can also be done on other specimen types, typically sputum (for Paragonimus) and urine (for Schistosoma haemotobium).
Specimen Preparation
ENSURE LIDS ARE TIGHTLY SEALED BEFORE TRANSPORT
Specimen Volume
BOTH CONTIANERS SHOULD BE FILLED THE PROVIDED RED LINE ON CONTIANER.
Storage/Transport Temperature
AMBIENT
Unacceptable Conditions
Contamination with urine or water, specimens containing barium, bismuth, magnesia, mineral oil, or gall bladder dye. Diapers are not acceptable. Specimens are not acceptable if the patient has been in the hospital for more than 3 days, because parasitic infection generally does not develop after hospitalization. Specimens may be accepted after this three-day time period, but specific approval must be obtained from the Chief of Microbiology before submission. Specimens collected at colonoscopy are STRONGLY discouraged, but will be accepted if no other specimen available.
Performed
3 days/week
Lab Dept
CPA MICRO
Reference Interval
No Ova & Parasites Seen
Reported
Within 72 hours
Methodology
Concentration, staining, and microscopic examination
Last Updated
2/17/23
Lab Dept
CPA MICRO
Lab Test Information
Ordering Recommendations
Recommended only for patients with diarrhea who have a history of travel to endemic areas, have prolonged symptoms in the absence of positive stool cultures and Cryptosporidium/Giardia antigen, or have unexplained eosinophilia. For U.S. residents with no history of recent overseas travel, Cryptosporidium/Giardia antigen is recommended as the initial test.
Patient Preparation
Stool specimen collection should be delayed for 5 to 10 days after barium administration and at least 2 weeks after use of antibiotics.
EPIC code
LAB955
Collect
For stool specimens, us the ParaPak two vial system, can be acquired by contacting the laboratory. Ideally three specimens over a period of three to six days should be submitted before considering a patient truly negative. Test can also be done on other specimen types, typically sputum (for Paragonimus) and urine (for Schistosoma haemotobium).
Specimen Preparation
ENSURE LIDS ARE TIGHTLY SEALED BEFORE TRANSPORT
Specimen Volume
BOTH CONTIANERS SHOULD BE FILLED THE PROVIDED RED LINE ON CONTIANER.
Storage/Transport Temperature
AMBIENT
Unacceptable Conditions
Contamination with urine or water, specimens containing barium, bismuth, magnesia, mineral oil, or gall bladder dye. Diapers are not acceptable. Specimens are not acceptable if the patient has been in the hospital for more than 3 days, because parasitic infection generally does not develop after hospitalization. Specimens may be accepted after this three-day time period, but specific approval must be obtained from the Chief of Microbiology before submission. Specimens collected at colonoscopy are STRONGLY discouraged, but will be accepted if no other specimen available.
Performed
3 days/week
Lab Dept
CPA MICRO
Reference Interval
No Ova & Parasites Seen
Reported
Within 72 hours
Methodology
Concentration, staining, and microscopic examination
