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HelpTest ID: OAPNS Ova and Parasite, Microscopy, Varies
Useful For
Detecting and identifying parasitic protozoa and eggs and larvae of parasitic helminths
Method Name
Microscopic
May include Touch/Tease Preparation, Direct Wet Preparation, Concentrated Wet Preparation, Permanent (Trichrome or Giemsa) Stained Preparation
Reporting Name
Ova and Parasite, Microscopy, VariesSpecimen Type
VariesOrdering Guidance
If specimens are suspected of containing tapeworm segments or other adult worms or worm segments, place the suspected worm in 70% alcohol and order PARID / Parasite Identification, Varies.
If microsporidia are suspected:
-For non-stool/non-urine specimen, order MTBS / Microsporidia Stain, Varies
-For feces or urine, order LCMSP / Microsporidia species, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
If pinworm is suspected, order PINW / Pinworm Exam, Perianal. Perianal skin sampling using clear cellophane tape or a SWUBE device is required for this test.
Urine specimens should be sent for SHUR / Schistosoma Exam, Random, Urine or TVRNA / Trichomonas vaginalis, Nucleic Acid Amplification, Varies as applicable.
If scabies is suspected, submit skin scrapings and order PARID / Parasite Identification, Varies.
For preserved stool analysis, order OPE / Ova and Parasite, Travel History or Immunocompromised, Feces.
Necessary Information
1. Specify on the order if a specific parasite is suspected.
2. Indicate source on the label of the specimen.
Specimen Required
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Bile
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerate 5 days
Specimen Type: Bone marrow
Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA) and/or slides
Specimen Volume: 4 mL EDTA and/or 1 slide (unstained preferred)
Collection Instructions:
1. Bone marrow and/or slides will be accepted for this test.
2. If submitting slides with EDTA tube, label and bag specimens together. Send refrigerate as one collection.
Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerate 5 days
Specimen Type: Colonic washing
Container/Tube: ECOFIX preservative vial or one zinc (Zn)-PVA AND one 10% formalin vial
Specimen Volume: at least 2 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Place specimen into preservative within 30 minutes of collection.
2. Follow instructions on the container as follows:
a. Colonic washings should be placed into ECOFIX preservative vial (or 10% formalin and Zn-PVA vials) in a ratio of 1 part preservative:1 part specimen. Some preservative may need to be removed from the vial to maintain this ratio.
b. Place washings into vial, twist the cap tightly closed, and shake vigorously until the contents are well mixed.
c. Do not fill above the fill line indicated on the preservative container.
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerate 5 days
Specimen Type: Duodenal aspirate
Container/Tube: ECOFIX preservative or one zinc (Zn)-PVA AND one 10% formalin vial
Specimen Volume: at least 2 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Place specimen into preservative within 30 minutes of collection.
2. Follow instructions on the container as follows:
a. Duodenal aspirate should be placed into ECOFIX preservative vial (or 10% formalin and Zn-PVA vials) in a ratio of 1 part preservative:1 part specimen. Some preservative may need to be removed from the vial to maintain this ratio.
b. Place washings into vial, twist the cap tightly closed, and shake vigorously until the contents are well mixed.
c. Do not fill above the fill line indicated on the preservative container.
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerate 5 days
Specimen Type: Spinal fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: At least 1 mL
Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerate 5 days
Specimen Type: Fluid, abscess, drainage material
Sources: Abdominal, ascites, brain, cyst (must specify anatomical location of cyst), liver, lymphatic, peritoneal, splenic
Container/Tube: Sterile container AND either ECOFIX preservative vial or one zinc (Zn)-PVA AND one 10% formalin vial
Specimen Volume: 15 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Place half of collection into preservative (either ECOFIX or PVA and 10 % Formalin combo) in a ratio of 1 part preservative: 1 part specimen. Some preservative may need to be removed from the vial to maintain this ratio.
2. Label the preservative type on the side of each vial.
3. Place other half of collection in a sterile container.
3. Label both specimens, bag together, and send refrigerate as one collection.
Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerate 5 days
Specimen Type: Respiratory
Source: Bronchial washing, bronchoalveolar lavage, sputum
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerate 5 days
Specimen Type: Tissue
Sources: Bladder, brain, colon, intestine, liver, lymph node, lung, muscle, rectal, spleen (must specify anatomical location of tissue)
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 5 to10 mm
Collection Instructions: Place specimen in sterile container with 1 to 2 drops of sterile saline to keep tissue moist.
Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerate 5 days
Specimen Minimum Volume
Respiratory specimens, spinal fluid, abscess, or drainage material: 0.5 mL
Tissue: 3 mm
Other specimen types: See Specimen Required
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated | 5 days |
Clinical Information
A variety of different parasites may be found in specimens other than stool (eg, colonic washings, duodenal aspirates, other anatomical site washings or aspirates, respiratory specimens, liver cyst aspirates or abscesses, and tissues). These parasites may include protozoa (microscopic unicellular eukaryotes) and helminths (worms). Infection is often asymptomatic but possible signs and symptoms of infection may include cough, fever, bloody sputum, skin lesions, and abdominal pain.
Reference Values
Negative
If positive, organism identified.
Interpretation
A positive result indicates the presence of the parasite but does not necessarily indicate that it is the cause of the patient's symptoms. Some strains of protozoa are nonpathogenic, and some helminths cause little or no illness.
Clinical Reference
1. Garcia LS. Diagnostic Medical Parasitology. 6th ed. ASM Press; 2016
2. Pritt BS. Parasitology Benchtop Reference Guide. 2nd ed. CAP; 2017
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
4 to 5 daysTest Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87015-Concentration (any type), for infectious agents (if applicable)
87209-Smear, primary source with interpretation; complex special stain (eg, trichrome, iron hematoxylin) for ova and parasites (If applicable)
87210-Wet mount for infectious agents (if applicable)
87207-Smear, primary source, with interpretation; special stain for inclusion bodies or intracellular parasites (if applicable)
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| OAPNS | Ova and Parasite, Microscopy, Varies | 673-4 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| OAPNS | Ova and Parasite, Microscopy, Varies | 673-4 |
Reflex Tests
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCON | Concentrate Exam | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| BDIR | Direct Prep Exam | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| BTRI | Stain Slide Exam | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| FILB | Filaria Bill Only | No, (Bill Only) | No |
Testing Algorithm
Reflex testing will be added and performed at an additional charge by the laboratory based on the following criteria:
-Specimen source
-Specimen type: Unpreserved, refrigerate versus preserved
-Indication of parasites suspected
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728) with the specimen.
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