Florida Bureau of Public Health laboratories

Intestinal o & p

The stool ova and parasite (O&P) examination is a traditional microscopic analysis used to detect and identify parasitic protozoa, helminth eggs, and larvae in fecal specimens.

Analyte(s)

Parasitic protozoa and helminths (across their various diagnostic life stages, including cysts, trophozoites, ova, and larvae)

Test Code

1000

Testing Location

Jacksonville Laboratory
Miami Laboratory
Tampa Laboratory

Testing Department

Microbiology

Pre-approval Required?

None

Required Forms

BPHL Test Requisition, DH1847
(not needed if orders are placed by electronic order)

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Supply Ordering

Supplies may be requested from your servicing laboratory. Supplies ordered from BPHL should only be used for specimen sent to the BPHL for testing.

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Turn Around time

3 business days after receipt at the laboratory

Minimum Volume

Fill between fill line (15 mL)

Collection Media

Total-Fix stool container (preferred), Cary Blair, or 10% Formalin stool container

Specimen Sources

Stool specimens

Specimen Labeling

Specimen must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, e.g., name and DOB, and date of collection.

Information on the specimen must match the requisition and/or test order. 

Special SPecimen Preparation

Make sure the DH1847 is completed with all required fields

Storage Conditions

Ship specimens at 15–30° C as soon as possible following collection. If a delay is unavoidable, specimens may be stored at 15–30° C for a maximum of 5 days prior to shipment.

Packaging and Shipping

Ship specimens at 15-30° C as soon as possible following collection.

Place all paperwork in the outer pocket of the biohazard bag separate from the specimens.

unsatisfactory specimen

1) Specimen was not labeled with 2 unique patient identifiers
2) Information on specimen does not match requisition/test order
3) Leaked in transit

Interferences and Limitations

Specimens received in 10% Formalin will not be able to be tested for PCR or sequencing. Specimens submitted in 10% formalin are unacceptable for molecular analysis, as formalin-induced DNA cross-linking inhibits PCR amplification and sequencing

Reference Range

Negative: No parasite found

Result Indicator

Positive: morphologies characteristic for intestinal parasites seen. If seen, identification is provided.

Negative: No parasite found

Reference lab

CDC

Reflex testing

Next generation sequencing (Cyclospora sp., research use only)