Ova and Parasites, Concentrate and Permanent Smear
Also known as: O and P with Permanent Stain
Use
This test is used for the detection of trophozoites and/or cysts of intestinal parasitic pathogens in patient specimens, aiding in the diagnosis of parasitic infections such as Cryptosporidium species, Coccidia species, Entamoeba histolytica (including E. histolytica/dispar), Giardia species, Isospora species, Microsporidia species, Schistosoma mansoni, and Schistosoma haematobium, as well as non-pathogenic parasites that may indicate environmental exposure. Such detection is performed through concentration and stained permanent smear microscopy and is indicated particularly when intestinal parasitic infection is suspected based on clinical symptoms, travel history, or epidemiologic risk factors.
Special Instructions
Specimens must be collected in appropriate transport media (Total‑Fix® vial or 10% formalin plus polyvinyl alcohol [PVA] transport vial). Interfering substances—including bismuth, barium (avoid for 7–10 days), antimicrobial agents (avoid for 2 weeks), and gallbladder dye (avoid for 3 weeks post-procedure)—must be avoided. Alternate specimen types (urine, sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL]) are acceptable when stool is unavailable.
Limitations
Unpreserved stool, specimens containing barium, or stool preserved in unspecified media are not acceptable. Urine that has been preserved, liver abscess fluid or aspirate are also unacceptable. The test may not detect parasites present at low levels or outside the detection capabilities of microscopic methods, and results depend on proper specimen collection, fixation, and preservation.
Methodology
Cell-based / Cytometry
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
5-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Stool
Volume
10 grams or 10 mL (5 grams or 5 mL minimum)
Minimum Volume
5 grams or 5 mL
Container
Total-Fix® transport vial or 10% formalin and polyvinyl alcohol transport vial
Collection Instructions
Place fresh stool in transport vial within 30 minutes of collection, avoiding interfering substances.
Patient Preparation
Avoid bismuth, barium (7–10 days), antimicrobial agents (2 weeks), gallbladder dye (3 weeks).
Causes for Rejection
Unpreserved stool; specimens containing barium; stool preserved in medium other than listed; preserved urine; liver abscess or aspirate
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant