Stool antigen testing is the optimal test method for determining the presence of Giardia and/or Cryptosporidium. The Cryptosporidium/Giardia immunoassay test will be performed on all stool specimens requested for ova and parasite examination unless a different parasite is specified and/or travel history is noted. In addition, testing should not be ordered on inpatients who have been hospitalized for >3 days.
Inpatient Approval Requirements
Approval required on patients hospitalized >3 days; please contact the Microbiology laboratory.
Collection Container
AlcorFix (ARUP Supply #52059)
Collect
Transfer 2 g of stool within one hour of collection into AlcorFix. Recommended collection: 3 separate stool specimens within 5-7-day period.
Storage/Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Stability (from collection to initiation)
Unpreserved specimens are stable at room temperature for 24 hours; preserved specimens are stable for 1 week.
Unacceptable Conditions
Unpreserved specimens received >24 hours after collection; Specimens received in preservative other than Alcorfix or formalin; Specimens received on swabs; Duplicate specimens collected on the same day; If a third specimen is received it will be canceled (only 2 specimens are accepted for testing)
Remarks
Indicate suspected parasites and travel history. If a specific parasite and/or a travel history are not noted, the Cryptosporidium/Giardia assay will be done instead of a full O&P examination.
Processing - HUP
Send to Microbiology laboratory immediately. PLEASE INDICATE ON REQUISITION THE SUSPECTED PARASITE.
Processing - PAH
Giardia and Crypto Ag performed at PAH Microbiology lab All other parasitology requests are sent to HUP Microbiology ***PLEASE INDICATE ON REQUISITION THE SUSPECTED PARASITE ***
Clinical Significance
Identification of enteric ova and parasites including worms and arthropods.
CPT Codes
87177, 87209, 87207, 87168, 87169, 87206
LOINC
43227-8
10704-5
673-4
678-3
Collection & Processing
Ordering Recommendations
Stool antigen testing is the optimal test method for determining the presence of Giardia and/or Cryptosporidium. The Cryptosporidium/Giardia immunoassay test will be performed on all stool specimens requested for ova and parasite examination unless a different parasite is specified and/or travel history is noted. In addition, testing should not be ordered on inpatients who have been hospitalized for >3 days.
Inpatient Approval Requirements
Approval required on patients hospitalized >3 days; please contact the Microbiology laboratory.
Collection Container
AlcorFix (ARUP Supply #52059)
Collect
Transfer 2 g of stool within one hour of collection into AlcorFix. Recommended collection: 3 separate stool specimens within 5-7-day period.
Storage/Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Stability (from collection to initiation)
Unpreserved specimens are stable at room temperature for 24 hours; preserved specimens are stable for 1 week.
Unacceptable Conditions
Unpreserved specimens received >24 hours after collection; Specimens received in preservative other than Alcorfix or formalin; Specimens received on swabs; Duplicate specimens collected on the same day; If a third specimen is received it will be canceled (only 2 specimens are accepted for testing)
Remarks
Indicate suspected parasites and travel history. If a specific parasite and/or a travel history are not noted, the Cryptosporidium/Giardia assay will be done instead of a full O&P examination.
CR&P Information
Processing - HUP
Send to Microbiology laboratory immediately. PLEASE INDICATE ON REQUISITION THE SUSPECTED PARASITE.
Processing - PAH
Giardia and Crypto Ag performed at PAH Microbiology lab All other parasitology requests are sent to HUP Microbiology ***PLEASE INDICATE ON REQUISITION THE SUSPECTED PARASITE ***
Result Interpretation
Clinical Significance
Identification of enteric ova and parasites including worms and arthropods.
Testing Updates
Billing Codes
CPT Codes
87177, 87209, 87207, 87168, 87169, 87206
LOINC
43227-8
10704-5
673-4
678-3
Ordering Information
Cerner Orderable
C OP
Penn Chart Orderable
OVA & PARASITE OTHER THAN CRYPTOSPORIDIUM/GIARDIA, SPECIFY PARASITES
Performing Lab
Microbiology
Performed
Monday-Friday
Reported
72 hours
Methodology
Microscopic examination, concentration and Trichrome stain
