Test directory: Ova & Parasite, Concentrate/Smear

Ordering Code 5216
Test Name Ova & Parasite, Concentrate/Smear
Alias O & P, Feces
Amoebiasis, O & P
O & P, Non-Stool
Preferred Specimen Stool
Preferred Container Paired 10% formalin & PVA vial or a single Total-Fix vial
Sputum and BAL in a sterile screw-capped container, unpreserved or in 10% formalin to increase stability
Urine in sterile screw-capped container.
Optimum Volume Bronch Wash or Lavage/Sputum: 10 mL
Urine: 25 mL
Collection Instructions Place fresh stool in 10% formalin vial, as well as PVA transport medium, within 30 minutes of collection. Add stool to bring the liquid level to the "fill to here" line on the vial. Mix well. Send specimen(s) at room temperature in the same shipping container. If parasite infestation is strongly suspected, collect at least 3 stool specimens every other day, since a single specimen can be negative
Sputum: The specimen should be a deep expectorated specimen, preferably collected in the early morning. A 24-hour sputum collection is also acceptable
Urine: Urine may be submitted unpreserved for Schistosoma
Collect mid-day. Peak egg secretion occurs between noon and 3pm. DO NOT SUBMIT FIRST MORNING SPECIMEN. In patients with hematuria, eggs may be found trapped in blood and mucous in the terminal portion (last-voided portion) of the urine specimen.
Transport Requirements Bronch Wash or Lavage/Sputum: Transport according to
stability conditions
Urine: Oahu: Refrigerated, Airline: Refrigerated
Specimen Stability Stool:
Preserved: Ambient: 6 Months, Refrigerated: 6 Months,
Frozen: Unacceptable
Bronch Wash or Lavage/Sputum:
Preserved: Ambient: 6 Months, Refrigerated: Unacceptable,
Frozen: Unacceptable
Unpreserved: Ambient: Unacceptable, Refrigerated: 48 Hours,
Frozen: Unacceptable
Urine:
Ambient: Not Stable, Refrigerated: 48 Hours,
Frozen: Not Stable
Rejection Criteria Expired container/transport media, Frozen,
Unpreserved stool, Specimens containing barium, Stool preserved in a medium other than parasitology fixative,
Preserved urine, Unpreserved sputum and urine received room temperature or frozen, Liver abscess or aspirate, Ecofix
Transport vials
Avail. Stat NO
Analytic Time Up to 10 Days
Methodology Microscopic Examination of Concentrate and Permanent
Stained Smear
Reference Lab  Quest Diagnostic Lab-NI

Reference range(s)

The reference ranges listed below are valid on this date of June 10, 2025.
Component Age Male Norm Male Critical Low Male Critical High Female Norm Female Critical High Female Critical Low Units Add'l info
Source: ALL See report.
Trichrome ALL See report.
Concentrate ALL See report.