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Parasitology: Intestinal Parasites

Updated

1/18/2011

Other Names
Formalin Concentration, PVA Trichrome Stain, Amebiasis, Ascaris lumbricoides, Blastocystis hominis, Dientamoeba fragilis, Diphylobothrium latum, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Giardiasis, Hookworm, Hymenolepis, Liver Flukes, Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma japonicum, Strongyloidiasis, Strongyloides stercoralis, Taenia, Trichuris
How to Order
Check the appropriate box, under PARASITOLOGY,  on the General Microbiology Request Form.
Availability
County and State Agencies
Methodology
Standard reference Parasitology procedures for PVA and Formalin preserved fecal specimens  including Formalin Ethyl Acetate Concentration and Trichrome stain
Performed
Daily (Monday – Friday)
Time to Reporting
2 to 5 days
CPT Code
87177, 87209


Specimen Collection Details

Collection
Collection kits available on request.  Collect fresh stool.  Place stool in Formalin and PVA vials to fill line and mix well.  Store and transport at room temperature.  Collect up to three samples on alternate days as needed. Detailed instructions at:
http://public.health.oregon.gov/LaboratoryServices/Documents/parasit.pdf
Optimal Volume
Fill vial to fill lines
Minimum Volume
2 to 5 grams depending on stool consistency
Handling
Formalin vial contains 6% formaldehyde: Handle with caution.  Poison control contact info on vial.
Transport
Transport at room temperature with appropriate shipping requirements.
Rejection Criteria
Leaking containers, unlabeled specimens, specimens not submitted in appropriate fixatives, or submitted with incomplete requisition forms will not be processed.
Comments
Dientamoeba fragilis requires PVA.Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora require the Formalin fixative for testing: For addition information or assistance, please contact the laboratory at 503.693.4100.