Test Code OPS Ova and Parasites Screen
Methodology
Chromatographic immunoassay
Preferred Collection Container
PROTCollection 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 daysTurn Around Time
1-3 days
Lab Department
Microbiology
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
EPIC Code
LAB1319
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.
Additional Information
When assessing for the presence of Giardia, a second test is recommended if initial testing is negative and clinical suspicion is high.
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm This test is routinely run Monday through Friday, except holidays.