Stool ova and parasites exam
Parasites and stool ova exam; Amebiasis - ova and parasites; Giardiasis - ova and parasites; Strongyloidiasis - ova and parasites; Taeniasis - ova and parasitesStool ova and parasites exam is a lab test to look for parasites or eggs (ova) in a stool sample. The parasites are associated with intestinal infections.
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How the Test is Performed
A stool sample is needed.
There are many ways to collect the sample. You can collect the sample:
- On plastic wrap. Place the wrap loosely over the toilet bowl so that it is held in place by the toilet seat. Put the sample in a clean container given to you by your health care provider.
- In a test kit that supplies a special toilet tissue. Put it in a clean container given to you by your provider.
Do not mix urine, water, or toilet tissue with the sample.
For children wearing diapers:
- Line the diaper with plastic wrap.
- Position the plastic wrap so that it will prevent urine and stool from mixing. This will provide a better sample.
Return the sample to your provider's office or lab as directed. At the lab, a small smear of stool is placed on a microscope slide and examined.
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How the Test will Feel
The laboratory test does not involve you. There is no discomfort.
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Why the Test is Performed
Your provider may order this test if you have signs of parasites, diarrhea that does not go away, or other intestinal symptoms.
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Normal Results
There are no parasites or eggs in the stool sample.
Talk to your provider about the meaning of your test results.
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What Abnormal Results Mean
An abnormal result means parasites or eggs are present in the stool. This is a sign of a parasitic infection, such as:
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Risks
There are no risks.
References
DuPont HL, Okhuysen PC. Approach to the patient with suspected enteric infection. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 267.
Plourde AR, Beavis KG. Specimen collection and handling for diagnosis of infectious diseases. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 66.
Siddiqi HA, Rabinowitz S, Axiotis CA. Laboratory diagnosis of gastrointestinal and pancreatic disorders. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 23.
Wojewoda CM, Stempak LM. Medical bacteriology. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24 th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 57.