Contents

Parasitology

Ova and Parasites – An O&P test should be ordered on patients presenting with a history of > 10 d of diarrhea. It is not appropriate to order an O&P test if the patient develops diarrhea while in the hospital.

Due to the low incidence of most parasitic infections in the United States and Nebraska, stool specimens for Ova and Parasite are routinely tested only for Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum through an EIA test. However, if the patient has a travel history that includes regions of the world where parasitic infections are endemic, microscopic evaluation for ova and parasites can be ordered.

Timing of Reports – Giardia/Cryptosporidium antigen test is available M,W,F. If specimen is received by 0900, the test will be complete the same day. Full ova and parasite workup (i.e. foreign travel) is available M-F with results available the following day.

Malaria smears – Malaria smears are performed in the hematology department; please call the hematology laboratory (559-7640) with questions if malaria is suspected.

Ectoparasites – The microbiology laboratory also identifies insect vectors associated with disease (e.g. lice, ticks). Please call the microbiology laboratory (552-2090) with questions regarding identification.