Faecal Parasites

Microbiology

Specimen

Stool

Specimen container

Fecon pot

Special Instructions

Microscopy for Ova, Cysts and Parasites (OCP) is only routinely performed on specimens from patients with a history of foreign travel (within 6 weeks). If testing is required outside of this window for other reasons (e.g. patient is immunocompromised) please contact the laboratory via email (rduh.MicroConsultants@nhs.net) to discuss with a consultant microbiologist.

We DO NOT perform OCP on samples from patients with a travel history limited to Europe.

Please state OCP on request form (ova, cysts and parasites).

Enterobius vermicularis (threadworm) – please send moistened early morning perianal swab – place in specimen pot rather than in transport media (NB we do not accept sellotape slides).

Recurrent Thread Worm Infection/Enterobiasis

If Amoebiasis is suspected, please contact the duty Microbiologist to discuss.