Test Code OVAPC Ova & Parasite, Comprehensive
Performing Laboratory
Hunterdon Medical Center Laboratory
Special Instructions
- See Important Note. (above)
- 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 |
OVAPC | Ova and Parasite Comprehensive | Para-Pak EcoFix® and Clean Vial® |
Acceptable specimens | 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 for ova and parasite (O&P) testing 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
No ova and parasites seen.
Negative for Giardia antigen.
Negative for Cryptosporidium antigen.
Method Name
Direct Antigen Detection.
Concentrated Wet Preparation and Permanent Stain.