CDOS

Ova and Parasites Examination

Test Code: 008623

Performing Lab: LabCorp

CPT Code: 87177 001 87209 001

Test Link (Copy)

Synonym

Parasitology Examination

Specimen Type

Sputum or feces

Specimen Container

O & P transport container with formalin and PVA (Para-Pak(R) pink and gray)

Volume

3 to 4 mL sputum or 5 mL feces

Minimum Volume

3 mL (Note:This volume does NOT allow for repeat testing).

Specimen Handling

SPUTUM: If paragonimiasis or echinococcosis is suspected, submit specimen in 10% formalin. FECES: Submit in a parasite preservative kit. Please inoculate both the PVA and the formalin tubes. Fresh feces should not be submitted. State the preliminary diagnosis. OTHER: Contact the laboratory for specific instructions. ALL: Multiple specimens may be necessary to recover ova or trophozoites. Three specimens are recommended (each is charged). Fecal specimens for parasitic examination should be collected before initiation of antidiarrheal therapy or antiparasitic therapy. The highest yield on hospitalized patients occurs when diarrhea is present on admission or within 72 hours of admission. The onset of diarrhea more than 72 hours after admission is usually caused by Clostridium difficile toxin rather than parasites or the usual stool pathogens. The following recommendations are made for efficient and cost-effective diagnosis of diarrheal disease in patients admitted with gastroenteritis. * Submit one or two specimens per diarrheal illness immediately. Consider requesting the EIA for Giardia (see Giardia lamblia, Direct Detection EIA [182204] or Giardia lamblia, EIA and Ova and Parasites Examination [188110]) if that is the primary suspected organism. * If those are negative, submit an additional specimen after five days. * Patients who are immunocompromised by AIDS, malignancy, or immunosuppressive therapy may require additional testing for unusual stool pathogens (eg, Cyclospora Smear, Stool [183145].

Patient Prep

Usual aseptic technique

Unacceptable Conditions

Because parasite morphology will not be preserved, specimens sent on diaper or tissue paper are not acceptable to the laboratory because of risk to lab personnel. Grossly leaking specimens may not be processed. Specimen containing interfering substances (eg, castor oil, bismuth, Metamucil(R), barium specimens delayed in transit and those contaminated with urine) will not have optimal yield; unlabeled specimen or name discrepancy between specimen and test request label; expired transport device; specimen not received in O & P preservative transport containers with formalin and PVA.

Temperature

Maintain specimen at room temperature.

Methodology

Formalin concentrate and trichrome stain

Result Code	Result Name	LOINC
008623	Ova + Parasite Exam	673-4
008623	Ova + Parasite Exam	673-4
008623	Ova + Parasite Exam	673-4
008623	Ova + Parasite Exam	673-4
008623	Ova + Parasite Exam	673-4

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