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Test Code OPS Ova and Parasites Screen

Preferred Collection Container

PROT

Acceptable Collection Container

Sterile container; 10% Formalin Vial ; Cary Blair (C&S) Vial
NOTE: Specimens must be received in the Protocol Parasitology System in order to add on Ova and Parasite Microscopic Exam per physician request.

Collection Volume

Protocol System and Cary Blair: Sample added to each vial until the vial liquid level reaches the red Fill Line.
Unpreserved Stool: 1 mL

Minimum Collection Volume

Unpreserved Stool: 0.5 mL

Rejection Criteria

Specimen not meeting Stability Criteria; Specimens collected in polyvinyl alcohol only (PVA – Vial with Blue Cap in Protocol Parasitology System); Specimens that have been concentrated; Refrigerated Fresh stools greater than 72 hours old; Specimen obtained during colonoscopy; Specimen obtained post bowel preparation; Dried specimen; Specimen soaked into diaper or tissue paper; Specimen contaminated with water or urine; Unlabelled specimens; Improper container; Specimen on outside of container; Incomplete requisition; Stool swab

Specimen Storage and Stability

Protocol Parasitology System: Room Temperature <2 monthsUnpreserved Stool: Refrigerated 72 hours; Specimen that has been frozen (-10 C) within the 72 hour stability timeframe up to 90 daysCary Blair vial: Refrigerated 7 days

Day(s) and Time(s) Performed

Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm This test is routinely run Monday through Friday, except holidays.

EPIC Code

LAB1319

Turn Around Time

1-3 days

Lab Department

Microbiology

Methodology

Chromatographic immunoassay

Alias

Giardia Specific Ag; Giardia Antigen; Giardia Specific Antigen Assay; Giardia Lamblia Antigen Test; Cryptosporidium Antigen

Ordering Info

SCREEN INCLUDES: Giardia Specific Antigen and Cryptosporidium Antigen

Additional Information

When assessing for the presence of Giardia, a second test is recommended if initial testing is negative and clinical suspicion is high.