Parasite Exam Comprehensive

Mnemonic

PARA COMP

Synonym

Comprehensive Parasite Exam - Para Exam

Includes

Giardia and Cryptosporidium Screen and a Complete Microscopic Examination for Ova and Parasites

Guidelines

This complete microscopic examination for ova and parasites should be limited to patients with diarrhea and pertinent travel history, exposure history, an immunocompromised condition or a high pre-test probability for parasitic infection. The most common parasites (Giardia and Cryptospordium) are best found using the stool antigen test only. See Giardia and Cryptospordium Detection. In some clinical contexts, species-specific serology may be the preferred test. This exam does not include special stains to specifically detect Cyclospora, Isospora and Microsporidium.

Please see Laboratory Testing Algorithm for Infectious Causes of Diarrhea.

Specimen Collection Requirements

Collect

Primarily stool, preserve in 10% Formalin and Modified PVA within 1 hour of collection. This test can also be conducted on sputum and urine submitted in sterile containers.

View Stool Collection Guide

Patient Instructions for O P Screen and Full Parasite Exam: English - Spanish - Russian - Vietnamese

Handling

Collection kits are available from Legacy. For specimen collection and transport, see Specimen Collection-Transport Guide for Stool Orders. Fill each vial until the liquid reaches the line on the label. Recommend 3 stool collections (and orders) within a 10 day period not to exceed 1 specimen in a 24 hour time frame. Specimens are not accepted after the third day of hospitalization without prior consultation.

Preferred Volume

Approximately 5 grams of stool (walnut size)

Minimum Volume

1 gram of stool in each vial or 10 mL

Transport

Stool in 10% Formalin and PVA at 20-25°C

Rejection Criteria

Dry specimens, leaking containers, specimens contaminated with barium, urine or oil, rectal swabs, and unpreserved specimens arriving in the lab over 1 hour after collection

Stability

PRESERVED STOOL: Ambient: 1 month; Refrigerated: 1 month; Frozen: Unacceptable

Testing Information

Performed

Mon - Fri

Reported

24-72 hours

Method

Concentrated examination, Trichrome stain, EIA

Reference Values

Reference Values

Negative

CPT Codes

87177, 87209, 87328, 87329, 87015

Last Updated: Wednesday, December 23, 2020 01:08:11 AM

Client Services: 503-413-1234