Provision of relevant clinical information is important to ensure a clinically relevant result                     

·    Diarrhea is not adequate history for performing microscopy

·    Where additional testing is clinically indicated for full Ova and parasite, stool, complete and submit the required Enteric Pathogen Patient History Form

o  Completed Enteric Pathogen Patient History Form may be faxed to 780-453-9425, if necessary

·    Do not use mineral oil, bismuth, antacids, non-absorbable antidiarrheal medication, antimalarial agents or antibiotics (metronidazole, tetracycline) prior to collection

·    Do not collect stool following recent use of the following interfering substances:

§  Mineral oil

§  Vagisil

§  Nystatin cream

§  Spermicidal lubricant

·    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

1.    Pass urine into toilet prior to collection of stool specimen

Note:  The stool specimen must not come in contact with water or urine

2.    Collect the stool specimen in a wide-mouthed container – refer to Patient Instructions

3.    Fill ½ to ¾ of entire 60 mL container.  Do not overfill

·      Mislabelled or unlabelled specimen/requisition

·      Multiple specimens on the same day

·      Leaking specimens

·      Specimens with barium or oil noted in the stool

·      Patient with a previous positive test result within the last 7 days

·      Insufficient quantity for testing

·    All positive stool culture results are reported to the Regional Public Health Office, the ordering physician, and Infection Control when applicable

·    Consult the Microbiologist on Call for additional requests:

Phone:     780-451-3702

Toll-free: 1-800-661-9876

Refer to:  Change in Testing for Enteric Pathogens (Laboratory Bulletin, 25 March 2019)