3001662
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Ova and Parasite Exam, Fecal (Immunocompromised or Travel History)

OP FEC
Example Reports
Negative
Positive

Ordering Recommendation

If parasite infection is suspected as cause of persistent diarrhea (>14 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.

New York DOH Approval Status

This test is New York state approved.

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 5-7-day period (an individual order must be submitted for each specimen).

Specimen Preparation

Transfer 2 g of stool within one hour of collection into AlcorFix (ARUP Supply #52059) available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at 800-522-2787. (Min: 1 g)
Also acceptable: Transfer 5 g of stool within one hour of collection into both 10 percent formalin and modified PVA (10 g total). (Min: 10 g total)
Additional specimen collection instructions can be found at https://www.aruplab.com/parasep

Storage/Transport Temperature

Room temperature.

Unacceptable Conditions

Rectal swabs, unpreserved, SAF (sodium acetate formalin), and any PVA fixative containing mercury such as LV-PVA (low viscosity PVA). Multiple specimens collected within a 24 hour period. Specimens containing barium, bismuth, or urine.

Remarks

Indicate suspected parasites.

Stability

Ambient: 9 months; Refrigerated: 9 months; Frozen: Unacceptable

Methodology

Qualitative Concentration/Trichrome Stain/Microscopy

Performed

Sun-Sat

Reported

3-7 days

Reference Interval

Negative

Interpretive Data

Method for identification of ova and parasites includes wet mount and trichrome stain.

Due to the various shedding cycles of many parasites, three separate stool specimens collected over a 5-7-day period are recommended for ova and parasite examination. A single negative result does not rule out the possibility of a parasitic infection. The ova and parasite exam does not specifically detect Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Cystoisospora, and Microsporidia. For additional test information refer to ARUP Consult, https://arupconsult.com/content/diarrhea

Compliance Category

Standard

Note

For ova and parasite exams from nonstool sources, refer to Ova and Parasite Exam, Body Fluid or Urine (ARUP test code 3001663). 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). For additional test information refer to ARUP Consult, https://arupconsult.com/content/diarrhea

Hotline History

View Hotline History

 

Hotline History

Date of Change
Test Name Change
Methodology
Performance/Reported Schedule
Specimen Requirements
Reference Interval
Interpretive Data
Note
CPT Code
Component Change
Other Interface Change
New Test
Inactive
08/19/2024
X
05/15/2023
X
N/A

CPT Codes

87177; 87209

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Components

Component Test Code* Component Chart Name LOINC
3001772 Ova and Parasite, Fecal Interpretation 10704-5
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.

Aliases

  • Ascaris
  • Chlonorchis sinensis
  • Eggs or Cysts
  • Fasciola
  • Giardia Exam
  • Helminths
  • Isospora, Isospora belli, Cystoisospora
  • O and P
  • Opisthorchis sinensis
  • Parasites
  • Parasitic Exam
  • Parasitic examination, stool
  • parasitic worms
  • Parasitology Examination
  • Protozoa
  • S. haematobium
  • S. japonicum
  • Sarcocystis
  • Schistosoma mansoni
  • Strongyloides
Ova and Parasite Exam, Fecal (Immunocompromised or Travel History)