Giardia - Cryptosporidium

Overview

  • EPIC Code:
  • LAB258
  • Soft Test Code:
  • OVAP
Alternate Names
  • Ova and Parasite Screen
  • Ova and Parasite Screen (at PRMC)
Included Tests

Cryptosporidium EIA; Giardia EIA


Clinical Significance

Historically, 90% of significant O&P pathogens have been either Giardia lamblia or Cryptosporidium species. Giardia/Cryptosporidium EIA screening can be performed on a single specimen with a 97% sensitivity rate. EIA testing is more sensitive with only a single specimen because it tests for Giardia and Cryptosporidium antigens which are always present in an infected individual, whereas microscopic examination requires intact organisms which may be shed intermittently, often requiring multiple specimens for detection. 


Specimen Collection & Preparation

Patient Preparation

Patient should refrain from the use of antacids, barium, bismuth, antidiarrheal medications, or oily laxatives for 7-10 days prior to collection. 

Patients receiving antibiotic therapy should wait at least 2-3 weeks after treatment before collecting a fecal specimen. 

If a patient has received a gallbladder dye, the specimen should be collected 3 weeks after the procedure


Specimen Requirements

Ova and Parasite Collection Kit


Transport And Storage

Pink & Gray Vials: 2 months Ambient or Refrigerated - Stool must be placed in the collection kit vials immediately after collection to achieve this stability.

White Vial: Refrigerate

Transport all Vials together


Collection Instructions

Collection Instructions

Fecal specimens should be collected in a clean, dry, wide mouthed container. Contamination with urine should be avoided.

Small samples of specimen should be placed into each vial, using the spork built into the its lid. Collect from the areas that appear bloody or watery, if specimen is firm take samples from both ends and the middle. Add samples until the fluid level reaches the “fill line”. (Do not overfill the vials.) This will ensure the appropriate three to one ratio of fixative to sample.

Use the spork to mix the contents of the vial. Recap the vial, making sure the lid is securely fastened. Firmly shake the vial until contents are thoroughly mixed. (The solution should appear homogeneous.) Use the same specimen to inoculate all three vials.
If an empty vial (white vial) utilized, fill with sample as directed and recap. Do not mix or shake the contents
Fill out the patient information on the side of each vial. Reseal the vials in the plastic bag. Caution: Every sample should be treated as a potential source of infection.

If the patient is wearing a diaper, put a disposable diaper backwards (plastic side touching the skin) inside another diaper and place it on the patient. Inoculate the three collection vials immediately after the patient has a bowel movement. A U-bag can also be attached to the patient in addition to the diaper to prevent urine from contaminating the feces.

Check the box that most closely resembles the specimen just collected. 

 

Patient Collection Instructions

English collection instructions O&P Kit

Spanish collection instructions O&P Kit

Burmese collection instructions O&P Kit

Arabic collection instructions O&P Kit


Minimum Volume


Neonatal Volume

Clinical Interpretation

Reference Range:

No Giardia and Cryptosporidium antigens present


Methodology:
  • Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
Clinical Significance

Historically, 90% of significant O&P pathogens have been either Giardia lamblia or Cryptosporidium species. Giardia/Cryptosporidium EIA screening can be performed on a single specimen with a 97% sensitivity rate. EIA testing is more sensitive with only a single specimen because it tests for Giardia and Cryptosporidium antigens which are always present in an infected individual, whereas microscopic examination requires intact organisms which may be shed intermittently, often requiring multiple specimens for detection. 


Production Schedule

Sites Performed
  • Parkview Regional Medical Center
Days Performed
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Departments
  • Microbiology
Turn Around Time

1 to 3 days


Coding & Compliance

CPT Coding

87328, 87329


Medical Necessity Documentation

If you are requesting a Gastrointestinal Panel (GI Panel) - GIBIO do not order this test as it is a duplication of part of the panel.