Sign in →

Test Code M75 Ova and Parasites

Important Note

Specimens containing dirt, barium, bismuth, anti-diarrheal compounds, antibiotics or oil are unsatisfactory for parasite exam. One week must elapse after the administration of barium or bismuth before a specimen can be submitted for ova and parasite exam.

Two weeks must elapse after antibiotic therapy before a specimen can be submitted for ova and parasite exam. Do not contaminate the stool with urine or water.

If the physician orders ova and parasites "times 3", collect the specimen as a single specimen on three separate days. Ideally, the specimens should be collected on alternate days. Accept no more than two or three specimens/patient without prior consultation with an individual who can explain the limited yield provided by additional specimens.   Do not accept specimens from inpatients after the fourth day, without prior consultation [CAP MIC.52190]

Para-pak collection kit consists of one vial containing 15 ml of pva fixative and one vial containing 15 ml of 10% formalin preservative. These liquids are poisonous. If any liquid from the tubes comes in contact with skin or eyes, flush with running water. If irritation develops, consult a physician.

Additional Codes

ALAB: OP

PowerChart: Ova and Parasites

 

Test Method

Direct Smear, Concentration with Trichrome Stain

Specimen Requirement

Stool collected in ParaPak collection kit.

 

or

 

O & P Containers Grey & Pink

Additional Specimen Collection Information

Para-Pak® collection kit:  2 vials containing preservatives; One pink-capped vial and one gray-capped vial. Check expiration date on both vials.  Do not use expired collection kits.

Note:  Fresh unpreserved stool specimens must be placed in fixatives within one hour after collection.

  1. Pass the stool into a clean, dry container or bedpan.
  2. Do not allow urine to contaminate specimen in the collection container.
  3. Open one of the vials containing liquid.
  4. Use the collection spoon built into the lid of the vial to place a small scoopful of stool from areas that appear bloody, slimy or watery into the vial until the liquid level rises to the red line.
  5. If the stool is formed [hard], sample small amounts from each end and the middle.
  6. Mix the contents of the vial with the spoon, twist the cap tightly closed and shake the vial vigorously until the contents are well mixed.
  7. Repeat instructions for the second collection vial.
  8. Complete the labeling information on each vial.
  9. Also check the box on the label, which best describes the consistency of the specimen when collected [formed, loose, soft, watery].
  10. Place the two vials in the plastic bag the tubes came in and seal the bag.
  11. Return the collection kit to the laboratory.

Performance

Performed Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  If a holiday falls on one of the test days, testing will be performed on the next scheduled test day.

 

Reference Values

No ova or parasites seen.

If parasites are present, they are identified.

Positive results are called to the nurse's station or physician office.

CPT Code Information

87177 Identification of Organism from Primary Source and Sensitivity Studies: Ova and parasites, direct smears, concentration and identification

87209 complex special stain (eg, trichrome, iron hemotoxylin) for ova and parasites

Useful For

Detection and identification of intestinal parasites.

Note: Cryptosporidium can not be detected or confirmed in an Ova and Parasite exam. If Cryptosporidium is suspected order the Giardia Cryptosporidium Screen separately. 

LOINC Code Information

10701-1 Ova And Parasites Identified In Stool By Concentration

Related Tests