Test Code OAP Ova and Parasite Exam
Performing Laboratory
YRMC, Microbiology
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Friday.
Testing schedule: once per day.
Specimen Requirements
Fresh fecal specimens must be placed in 10% formalin and PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) within 2 hours of collection. Unpreserved specimens will be accepted from Inpatients and ER patients only.
Outpatient stool specimens must be submitted in preservative (10% formalin and PVA). Unpreserved stools from outpatients will not be accepted for Ova and Parasite testing.
For instructions on submitting specimens other than stool for parasite examination, please contact Yuma Regional Medical Center Microbiology Department.
Reasons for Rejection:
- Any sign of leakage.
- Improperly labeled specimens.
- More than one sample collected in a 24 hour period.
- Any sign of contamination (water, urine, non-fecal debris)
- Barium is present
- It is known that the patient had been taking nonabsorbable anti-diarrheal drugs, mineral oil based laxatives, or antimicrobials within 1 week.
- Liquid fecal samples greater than 2 hour after passage, if not preserved.
- Formed stools greater than 24 hours after passage, if not preserved.
- Unpreserved stools submitted for testing from Outpatients.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Ambient temperature.
Stool specimens must be preserved or arrive in the laboratory within 2 hours of collection.
Reference Values
No Ova or Parasites seen.
Test Classification and CPT Coding
87177 – Ova and parasites, direct smears, concentration and identification.
87209 – Smear, primary source, complex special stain for ova and parasites.
Collection Instructions
Refer to Specimen requirements for collection instructions
Methodology
Concentrated wet preparation examination.
Trichrome stained permanent smear examination.
Referral of parasites seen for identification may be indicated.
Loinc Code
43227-8