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Test Code SSPARA Ova and Parasite Screen (O&P),  LAB258 (Ova/Parasites, Stool)

Important Note

If the patient has not traveled outside of the state of Iowa, recommend performing Giardia/Cryptosporidium Antigen testing first.

A complete O&P should only be ordered in the following situations:

  • AIDS/Immunosuppressed patient
  • Residence in or recent immigration from or travel to a developing country
  • Persistent unexplained diarrhea, when Giardia/Cryptosporidium has been negative.

Performing Laboratory

State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL), Coralville

Specimen Requirements

Fresh stool specimen must arrive within 1 hour of collection or must be a SAF-preserved specimen received within 48 hours.

 

Do not send specimen if anti-diarrheal medications, oily laxatives and procedures with barium or bismuth has been given in the past 5 days.

 

1. Submit 2 mL of SAF preserved stool (or 2 mL of fresh stool in a screw-capped, sterile container if it can be delivered within 1 hour of the collection). (Do not contaminate stool specimen with urine or allow the stool to mix with water.) Only 1 specimen per day will be accepted unless it is a purged specimen.


2. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.


Note: 

1. Fresh specimen should be refrigerated and must be received within 1 hour. Preserved specimen may be kept at ambient temperature until delivered to laboratory and is stable for 7 days. 

2. Indicate specimen source on specimen container and in computer.

Reference Values

No ova and parasites seen

Day(s) Test Set Up

Coralville, 0800 to 1700, Monday through Friday

Methodology

Ethyl Acetate Concentraion, Biological Stain, Microscopy

Note:  Average turnaround time at the State Hygienic lab is 2 to 4 business days.

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87177-Parasitic exam

87209-Stain