Method Name
Reference Laboratory
Aliases
Ova & Parasite Examination, Comprehensive; O&P Exam, Ova & Parasite Examination
Specimen Required
Stool specimen in O&P collection containers (1 10% Formalin vial & 1 PVA vial). Collect urine and aspirates in a clean, leakproof container. Stool specimens from inpatients developing diarrhea after 3 days of admission are not acceptable.
Specimen Minimum Volume
To fill line on collection containers
Specimen Stability Information
Transport at room temperature. O&P collection containers are stable for 72 nours. Unpreserved specimens must be received within 2 hours of collection. *NOTE* Specimens that do not meet the above criteria will be rejected.
Special Instructions
Exam includes wet prep of concentrated specimen and permanent stained smears. NOTE: Comprehensive O&P Examination on Stool Specimens is performed only when clinical or travel history indicates the likelihood of a Parasitemia other than Giardiasis or Cryptosporidiosis. Pertinent history should be included with the examination request. All other stool specimens submitted for O&P exam will be screened for Giardia & Cryptosporidium only.
Performing Laboratory
7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Turn around time is 4 days.