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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.

Test Usage

Diagnosis of intestinal parasites

Availability

Local test (Samples for confirmation sent to Hospital for Tropical Diseases – Department of Clinical Parasitology)

Processing Time

24 hours (7 days – if samples needs sending to reference lab for confirmation)

Urgent Specimen Instructions

Hot stool for Amoebiasis

Useful Links

Hospital for Tropical Diseases – Department of Clinical Parasitology (Health Services Laboratories)

User Manual – Health Services Laboratories

Ova, Cysts & Parasites (OCP) – Lab Tests Online UK

(Key words: threadworms)

Specimen Labelling Procedure
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9018

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