Ova and Parasite

Test Name	Ova and Parasite
Alternate Name(s)	O and P
Laboratory Module	Microbiology
Ordering Mnemonic	OP
Specimen Type	Stool
Collection Container	SAF media transport
Container Information
Collection Information	The suspected organism may be included under the ‘Test Description’. Please note on the requisition (under other): If the patient has Eosinophilia, HIV, is immunocompromised, has a critical illness or was admitted to ICU, or had a previous parasitic infection. Indicate Country/Region and if the patient is a new immigrant or refugee or returned traveler under ‘Travel’ section of the requisition. It is imperative that the foreign country be identified. Collect a sample in each white top and yellow top (SAF) vial of the Parasitology Kit. Follow the collection instructions on the instruction sheet provided with the Parasitology Kit. Collect one specimen per day for 3 days in each vial for a total of six (6) specimens Avoid the use of mineral oil, bismuth, Milk of Magnesia, antacids, compounds containing Kaolin or barium prior to collection. Avoid contamination with urine or water. Have patient pass stool onto a clean, dry bedpan. Transfer a portion of stool containing mucous, blood or pus to the SAF transport media. Do NOT use toilet paper to transfer stool. Select areas of stool that appear blood-stained, purulent or watery. Transfer this to parasite transport media (labeled SAF FIXATIVE). Thoroughly mix 5 mL of stool with the 20 mL of fixative (1:4 ratio).
Test Schedule	Daily
Routine Turnaround Time	Preliminary: 1 to 8 weeks Final: 1 to 8 weeks
Stat Turnaround Time	Preliminary: 1 to 8 weeks Final: 1 to 8 weeks
Reference Interval
Critical Values	As any ova or parasites are detected and identified the information is made available to the health care provider.
Lab Process Notes
Storage and Transport	Room Temperature
Test Referred To	Public Health Laboratories, Hamilton