Ova & Parasite Exam, Fecal (Immunocompromised or Travel History)
2002272
Ordering Recommendation
If parasite infection is suspected as cause of persistent diarrhea (> 5 to 7 days), specific pathogen testing is recommended (refer to Gastrointestinal Parasite Panel by PCR (2011150); Giardia Antigen by EIA (0060048); Entamoeba histolytica Antigen, EIA (0058001); or Cryptosporidium Antigen by EIA (0060045)). Do not order for patients who develop diarrhea during a prolonged hospitalization.
Mnemonic
OPFEC
Methodology
Qualitative Concentration/Trichrome Stain/Microscopy
Performed
Sun-Sat
Reported
3-7 days
New York DOH Approval Status
This test is New York DOH approved.
Submit With Order
Specimen Required
- Patient Preparation
- Specimens analyzed to determine the efficacy of treatment should be collected three to four weeks after completion of therapy. Antibiotics may affect results of exam.
- Collect
- Stool. Recommended collection: 3 separate stool specimens within a 10-day period (an individual order must be submitted for each specimen).
- Specimen Preparation
- Preserve each stool collection in 10% formalin AND modified PVA (ARUP Supply #16355) within one hour of collection. Available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at (800) 522-2787.
- Storage/Transport Temperature
- Room temperature.
- Unacceptable Conditions
- Rectal swabs. Multiple specimens (more than one in 24 hours). Unpreserved specimens. Specimens containing barium, oil, or urine.
- Remarks
- Indicate suspected parasites.
- Stability
- Ambient: 9 months; Refrigerated: 9 months; Frozen: Unacceptable
Reference Interval
Negative
Interpretive Data
Method for identification of Ova and Parasites includes wet mount and trichromes stain.
Stool antigen testing is the optimal test method for determining the parasitic presence of Giardia, Cryptosporidium spp, or Entamoeba histolytica. The ova and parasite exam does not specifically detect Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Cystoisospora, and Microsporidia. For Cryptosporidium, refer to Cryptosporidium Antigen by EIA (ARUP test code 0060045). For Cyclospora and Cystoisospora, refer to Parasitology Stain by Modified Acid-Fast (ARUP test code 0060046). For Microsporidia, refer to Microsporidia Stain (ARUP test code 0060050).
Stool antigen testing is the optimal test method for determining the parasitic presence of Giardia, Cryptosporidium spp, or Entamoeba histolytica. The ova and parasite exam does not specifically detect Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Cystoisospora, and Microsporidia. For Cryptosporidium, refer to Cryptosporidium Antigen by EIA (ARUP test code 0060045). For Cyclospora and Cystoisospora, refer to Parasitology Stain by Modified Acid-Fast (ARUP test code 0060046). For Microsporidia, refer to Microsporidia Stain (ARUP test code 0060050).
Note
For Ova and Parasite exams from non-stool sources, refer to Ova and Parasite Exam, Body Fluid or Urine (ARUP test code 2002277). For Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora and Cystoisospora stains, refer to Parasitology Stain by Modified Acid-Fast (ARUP test code 0060046). For macroscopic parasite identification (worms or proglottids), refer to Parasite Examination, Macroscopic (ARUP test code 2007361).
CPT Code(s)
87177; 87209
Components
| Component Test Code* | Component Chart Name |
|---|---|
| 2002274 | Ova and Parasite, Trichrome Stain |
| 2002275 | Ova and Parasite, Wet Mount |
Aliases
- Parasitic Exam
- Ascaris
- Chlonorchis sinensis
- Eggs or Cysts
- Fasciola
- Giardia Exam
- Helminths
- Isospora, Isospora belli, Cystoisospora
- O and P
- Opisthorchis sinensis
- Parasites
- Parasitic examination, stool
- parasitic worms
- Parasitology Examination
- Protozoa
- S. haematobium
- S. japonicum
- Sarcocystis
- Schistosoma mansoni
- Strongyloides