Specimen Requirements

Alternate Specimen Requirements

Minimum Specimen Requirements

Stability

Days Performed

5 days per week

Turnaround Time

1 - 8 days

Methodology

Reference Range

Special Info

The enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (i.e. ova & parasite screen; OVAPSC) for Cryptosporidium and Giardia is the recommended test for most patients thought to have enteritis caused by a parasite. Diagnostic testing is not recommended for traveler’s diarrhea unless it persists for 14 days. The potential etiology of diarrhea in immunocompromised patients encompasses a broad differential diagnosis. A full Ova & Parasitic exam (OVAP) should be reserved for individuals with significant risk factors for enteric parasitosis (eg, immigration from or travel to an endemic area). Requests for Ova and Parasite Exam on patients who have been hospitalized for >3 days will be blocked; requests for processing of specimens on such patients should be made through Client Services. Testing are performed weekdays on day shift. Special studies Cyclospora and Cystoisospora If Cyclospora, Cystoisospora are diagnostic considerations, then (CRYSPO) should be ordered; this assay also detects Cryptosporidium, but the OVAPSC is the preferred test for that parasite. Microsporidia PCR is the test of choice if a microsporidial infection is considered, but the less sensitive microscopic examination for microsporidia is available upon request (MICSPO). Pinworm Importantly, pinworm is not routinely detected on O&P examination, so pinworm exam (TAPE) should be ordered; the specimen should be collected with a pinworm collection kit, but cellophane tape, which has been used for collection that is adherent to a glass slide, is also acceptable. Parasitic Liver Cyst/Abscess Liver aspirates will be assessed for the presence of E. histolytica and Echinococcus. Paragonimus Sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage specimens will be assessed for the eggs of Paragonimus species. When paragonimiasis is considered, then a stool ova & parasite examination should also be ordered (OVAP). Worm Identification Worms and portions of worms may be submitted for identification (PARAID). Urinary Schistosomiasis Twenty four hour urine specimens for the diagnosis of urinary schistosomiasis are optimal, but single urine specimens are acceptable; serologic studies should be considered when this diagnosis is considered. Urine specimens >48 hrs. old and urine in preservative will be rejected.

Clinical Info

The Ova and Parasite screen (OVAPSC) is more sensitive than the Ova and Parasite exam (OVAP) for the detection of Giardia, the most commonly encountered enteric parasite in this locale. The Ova and Parasite screen (OVAPSC) should be used, rather than the Ova and Parasite exam (OVAP), unless other enteric parasites are suspected. The Ova and Parasite exam (OVAP) should be ordered to detect and identify the presence of enteric protozoa and the eggs of helminths. This test should be reserved for individuals with significant risk factors for enteric parasitosis (eg, immigration from or travel to an endemic area). In such cases, a minimum of 3 specimens collected over 3 - 10 days are recommended. Stool should be collected using a stool collection kit (O-P Kit Para-Pak includes 1 vial of 10% formalin and 1 vial of PVA). Special studies are needed for the detection of Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Cystoisospora, microsporida, pinworm, worm identification, and parasites in unusual locations. Non-stool specimens should be collected using a sterile screw-top transport container.