Sign in →

Test Code GIARD Ova & Parasite: Giardia Antigen and Cryptosporidium Antigen

Performing Laboratory

Hunterdon Medical Center Laboratory

Special Instructions

  • Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium are the most commonly found parasites in the Northeastern United States.
  • Stool samples for Ova and Parasites (O&P) are evaluated for these two pathogens.
  • The usual recommendation is for the examination of three stool specimens at two to three day intervals.
  • Patient Collection Instructions

Specimen Required

 

Ova and Parasite Testing TEST Specimen
GIARD Cryptospiridium Antigen and Giardia Antigen  Para-Pak EcoFix® and Clean Vial®
  Acceptable specimen Para-Pak EcoFix® and Para-Pak C&S®

Transfer specimen immediately to  Para-Pak® containers.

.           

  Preferred                    Acceptable

Fill the container to the red line.

 

 

Specimen Type

 Formed stool specimen about the size of a walnut (20-40g) or 5-6 tablespoons of watery stool.

  • The specimen may be collected directly into a clean dry container or with the aid of a “hat” placed on the toilet (recommended), or clean bed pan.
  • Do not contaminate with urine or use toilet paper to collect specimen.

Specimen Transport Temperature and Stability

Specimen Storage/Transport Preferred  (≤24 hours)

Acceptable          (≤72 hours)
 EcoFix®  (Green Cap) Ambient 15-25°C Refrigerated 2-8°C
 Clean Vial® (White Cap) Refrigerated 2-8°C Refrigerated 2-8°C
 C&S (Orange Cap) Ambient 15-25°C Refrigerated 2-8°C

Day(s) Performed

Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Reference Values

Negative for Giardia antigen.

Negative for Cryptosporidium antigen.

Method Name

Direct Antigen Detection.