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Test Code OAPNS Ova and Parasite, Microscopy, Varies

Useful For

Detecting and identifying parasitic protozoa and eggs and larvae of parasitic helminths

Method Name

Microscopic

May include Touch/Tease Preparation, Direct Wet Preparation, Concentrated Wet Preparation, Permanent (Trichrome or Giemsa) Stained Preparation

Reporting Name

Ova and Parasite, Microscopy, Varies

Specimen Type

Varies


Ordering Guidance


If specimens are suspected of containing tapeworm segments or other adult worms or worm segments, place the suspected worm in 70% alcohol and order PARID / Parasite Identification, Varies.

 

If microsporidia are suspected:

-For non-stool/non-urine specimen, order MTBS / Microsporidia Stain, Varies

-For feces or urine, order LCMSP / Microsporidia species, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies

 

If pinworm is suspected, order PINW / Pinworm Exam, Perianal. Perianal skin sampling using clear cellophane tape or a SWUBE device is required for this test.

 

Urine specimens should be sent for SHUR / Schistosoma Exam, Random, Urine or TVRNA / Trichomonas vaginalis, Nucleic Acid Amplification, Varies as applicable.

 

If scabies is suspected, submit skin scrapings and order PARID / Parasite Identification, Varies.

 

For preserved stool analysis, order OPE / Ova and Parasite, Travel History or Immunocompromised, Feces.



Necessary Information


1. Specify on the order if a specific parasite is suspected.

2. Indicate source on the label of the specimen.



Specimen Required


Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

 

Specimen Type: Bile

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: Entire collection

Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerate 5 days

 

Specimen Type: Bone marrow

Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA) and/or slides

Specimen Volume: 4 mL EDTA and/or 1 slide (unstained preferred)

Collection Instructions:

1. Bone marrow and/or slides will be accepted for this test.

2. If submitting slides with EDTA tube, label and bag specimens together. Send refrigerate as one collection.

Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerate 5 days

 

Specimen Type: Colonic washing

Container/Tube: ECOFIX preservative vial or one zinc (Zn)-PVA AND one 10% formalin vial

Specimen Volume: at least 2 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Place specimen into preservative within 30 minutes of collection.

2. Follow instructions on the container as follows:

a. Colonic washings should be placed into ECOFIX preservative vial (or 10% formalin and Zn-PVA vials) in a ratio of 1 part preservative:1 part specimen. Some preservative may need to be removed from the vial to maintain this ratio.

b. Place washings into vial, twist the cap tightly closed, and shake vigorously until the contents are well mixed.

c. Do not fill above the fill line indicated on the preservative container.

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerate 5 days

 

Specimen Type: Duodenal aspirate

Container/Tube: ECOFIX preservative or one zinc (Zn)-PVA AND one 10% formalin vial

Specimen Volume: at least 2 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Place specimen into preservative within 30 minutes of collection.

2. Follow instructions on the container as follows:

a. Duodenal aspirate should be placed into ECOFIX preservative vial (or 10% formalin and Zn-PVA vials) in a ratio of 1 part preservative:1 part specimen. Some preservative may need to be removed from the vial to maintain this ratio.

b. Place washings into vial, twist the cap tightly closed, and shake vigorously until the contents are well mixed.

c. Do not fill above the fill line indicated on the preservative container.

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerate 5 days

 

Specimen Type: Spinal fluid

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: At least 1 mL

Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerate 5 days

 

Specimen Type: Fluid, abscess, drainage material

Sources: Abdominal, ascites, brain, cyst (must specify anatomical location of cyst), liver, lymphatic, peritoneal, splenic

Container/Tube: Sterile container AND either ECOFIX preservative vial or one zinc (Zn)-PVA AND one 10% formalin vial

Specimen Volume: 15 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Place half of collection into preservative (either ECOFIX or PVA and 10 % Formalin combo) in a ratio of 1 part preservative: 1 part specimen. Some preservative may need to be removed from the vial to maintain this ratio.

2. Label the preservative type on the side of each vial.

3. Place other half of collection in a sterile container.

3. Label both specimens, bag together, and send refrigerate as one collection.

Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerate 5 days

 

Specimen Type: Respiratory

Source: Bronchial washing, bronchoalveolar lavage, sputum

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: Entire collection

Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerate 5 days

 

Specimen Type: Tissue

Sources: Bladder, brain, colon, intestine, liver, lymph node, lung, muscle, rectal, spleen (must specify anatomical location of tissue)

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 5 to10 mm

Collection Instructions: Place specimen in sterile container with 1 to 2 drops of sterile saline to keep tissue moist.

Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerate 5 days


Specimen Minimum Volume

Respiratory specimens, spinal fluid, abscess, or drainage material: 0.5 mL
Tissue: 3 mm
Other specimen types: See Specimen Required

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Varies Refrigerated 5 days

Reject Due To

All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.

Clinical Information

A variety of different parasites may be found in specimens other than stool (eg, colonic washings, duodenal aspirates, other anatomical site washings or aspirates, respiratory specimens, liver cyst aspirates or abscesses, and tissues). These parasites may include protozoa (microscopic unicellular eukaryotes) and helminths (worms). Infection is often asymptomatic but possible signs and symptoms of infection may include cough, fever, bloody sputum, skin lesions, and abdominal pain.

Reference Values

Negative

If positive, organism identified.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

4 to 5 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

87015-Concentration (any type), for infectious agents (if applicable)

87209-Smear, primary source with interpretation; complex special stain (eg, trichrome, iron hematoxylin) for ova and parasites (If applicable)

87210-Wet mount for infectious agents (if applicable)

87207-Smear, primary source, with interpretation; special stain for inclusion bodies or intracellular parasites (if applicable)

Reflex Tests

Test ID Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
BCON Concentrate Exam No, (Bill Only) No
BDIR Direct Prep Exam No, (Bill Only) No
BTRI Stain Slide Exam No, (Bill Only) No
FILB Filaria Bill Only No, (Bill Only) No

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728) with the specimen.