Methodology
Microscopic Examination of Concentrate; Permanent Stained Smear
Synonyms
O and P with Permanent Stain;
Specimen Type
See Collection Instructions
Performing Lab
Quest Diagnostics San Juan Capistrano
Epic ID
LAB01366
Lab Test Days
Daily
Standard TAT
5-7 Days
Collection Information
Specimen Required
5-10 g fresh stool preserved in 10% formalin and Polyvinyl Alcohol transport or single Total-Fix transport vial or Para-Pak SVT transport vial.
Container Type
See Below
Collection Instructions
Interfering substances: Bismuth, barium (wait 7-10 days), antimicrobial agents (wait 2 weeks), gallbladder dye (wait 3 weeks after procedure). Place fresh stool in 10% formalin transport vial, as well as a PVA transport medium or single Total-Fix® vial, 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. 10-25 mL unpreserved urine in a sterile screw-cap container or 2-20 mL sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) (unpreserved) in a sterile screw-cap container or formalin vial is also acceptable. Urine may be submitted unpreserved for exam for Schistosoma. Collect at mid-day. Peak egg secretion occurs between noon and 3 p.m. 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. Sputum: The specimen should be a deep expectorated sputum, preferably collected in the early morning. A 24-hour sputum collection is also acceptable. Submit in a sterile screw-cap container, unpreserved or in 10% formalin to increase stability.
Processing Information - Lab Use Only
Transport Temperature
Refrigerate-OK/Ambient-OK
Specimen Stability
Room Temp (preferred): 30 Days for Preserved Stool or Sputum/BAL (Unacceptable for Unpreserved Stool, Urine or Sputum/BAL); Refrigerated: 30 Days for Preserved Stool (48 Hours for Unpreserved Urine or Sputum/BAL) (Unacceptable for Preserved Sputum/BAL); Frozen: Unacceptable
Rejection Criteria
Unpreserved stool, Specimens containing barium, Stool preserved in medium other than those listed as acceptable, Preserved urine, Liver abscess or aspirate
Included Tests
Ova and Parasite Concetrate Result, Trichrome Result.
Comments
Giardia is strongly suspected, please see Giardia Antigen, EIA, Stool, test code 8625.
CPT Codes
87177, 87209
Revised
6/10/26
Initials
IM