Test Name: OVA AND PARASITE EXAM (STOOL)
Test Code: 2135734
Alias:
LAB955
Stool O & P
CPT Code(s):
87177   87209  
Test Includes:

Stool concentration and wet mount exam

Trichrome stain
Preferred Specimen:

Stool (feces)
Container:

MCC Total-Fix Preservative Vial
Alternate Container:
Fresh stool in a sterile leak-proof container (should reach the Lab within one hour after collection).
Minimum Volume:

Add specimen up to the collection line indicated on the Total-Fix preservative vial.
Collection Instructions:

Do not refrigerate collections. Specimens should be submitted in the Total-Fix preservative vial. Fill the collection vial to the line indicated on the container and mix well prior to submission to the laboratory.
Fresh specimens can be submitted in a sterile container, but they MUST be able to reach the laboratory within 1 hour of collection. If this is not possible, utilize the Total-Fix collection container.
The CDC recommends that three or more stool samples, collected on separate days, should be examined. Please label the collection container with the date and time of collection so this information can be reflected in the patient order.
Transport Temperature:

Room temperature
Stability:

Specimens received in the Total-Fix preservative vial: Indefinite at room temperature
Specimens received in a sterile container: up to 1 hour at room temperature
Rejection Criteria:

1) Refrigerated specimens
2) Unlabeled specimens
3) Preservative containers received other than the Total-Fix preservative vial
3) Specimens received in a sterile container greater than 1 hour after collection
Limitations:

Proper collection is crucial to ensure detection of parasites, as they are often shed sporadically and can degrade quickly. Collecting multiple samples over several days and filling the preservative vial to the indicated fill-line helps with maximizing testing sensitivity and recovery.

This test is not used to detect Microsporidium or Cryptosporidium. If Microsporidium is suspected see the Microsporidia exam (Test Code 2195493 LAB2411). If Cryptosporidium is suspected see the Cryptosporidium exam (Test Code 2137213, LAB3081).
Additional Information:
While Cyclospora can be detected in the Stool O&P, it is recommended to order the Cyclospora exam (Test Code 2133166 LAB190235) if Cyclosporiasis is suspected.
Schedule:

Set-up: Daily. Results will be available within 1-3 days.
Method:

Stool concentration, isolation and microscopic examination.
Performing Lab:
Microbiology
Clinical Significance:

The detection and identification of small numbers of helminth eggs and protozoa from large volumes of feces is of critical importance in the diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections. The use of concentration procedures ensures the detection of even small numbers of these organisms. The concentration reagents used allow for all stages and all forms of eggs and parasites to be concentrated and then detected by wet mount microscopic observation.
Use:

For hospital use only: 

2133303 O&P, non-stool specimens (duodenal aspirate, liver abscess, sputum, urine)

updated 07/24/2026
Reference Ranges:
Negative for ova and parasites.

Health Lab Test Code Build Information

The CPT codes included in this publication are in accordance with Current Procedural Terminology, a publication of the American Medical Association. CPT codes are provided here for the convenience of our clients; however, correct coding often varies from one carrier to another, and HealthLab may bill specific carriers using codes other than those shown. Clients who bill for services should verify the code(s) with the applicable payor to confirm that their use is appropriate in each case.
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