- Test Name:
- Ova and parasite, stool (Edmonton/Central/North)
- Body Source(s):
-
Stool / feces
-
Clinical Prerequisite(s):
-
Provision of relevant, clinical information is important to ensure a clinically relevant result.
A completed Parasite History Form must be submitted with the requisition
- Collection Device/Tube Type:
-
SAF fixative transport device - PLUS - a 60 mL sterile, plastic container
- Comments:
-
Note:
- SAF (sodium acetate-acetic acid-formaldehyde) is poisonous. Keep out of reach of children
- Poison Control Center 1-800-332-1414
- Collection Instructions:
-
O&P Collection – Patient Instructions:
· Do not collect stool after recent use of the following interfering substances:
§ mineral oil
§ non-absorbable antidiarrheal medication
§ bismuth
§ antimalarial agents
§ antacids
§ antibiotics (metronidazole, tetracycline)
· Barium sulphate (used in barium enemas) and gallbladder dyes may also interfere with detection of parasites
· Specimens should not be submitted for at least 2 weeks following the use of these agents
.
Notes:
· Parasite shedding in stool is variable and hence a minimum of 3 stool specimens, taken at 2 to 3-day intervals may be needed for optimal recovery
· Stool from inpatients hospitalized for >4 days are not recommended for O&P examination.
Refer to C. difficile Testing and Results (Lab Bulletin: 22 October 2018) for more information about the assay used
- Handling and Storage:
-
1. Store specimen between 2 and 25 degrees C during transport
2. Protect against freezing or exposure to excessive heat
- Handling/Storage Comments:
-
Proper collection and handling of stool specimens is essential
· Specimens that are old, inadequate in amount, or poorly preserved are of limited value and may lead to inaccurate results
- Rejection Criteria:
-
- Mislabelled or unlabelled specimen/requisition
- Specimens not in SAF preservative
- Multiple specimens collected on the same day. Only one will be processed
- Leaking specimens
- Specimens with barium or oil noted in stool
- Turnaround Times
- See Microbiology Information»
- Comments:
-
Ova and parasite - organism/disease list, stool
- Last Reviewed:
- 06 May 2024
