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| Organization: | Alberta Precision Laboratories | ||
| Message Alert: | PLEASE NOTE: This Test Directory is in an interim state and due to changes pertaining to the DynaLIFE transition, performing site for routing has not been updated. Please refer to Laboratory Information System for appropriate routing. | ||
| Test Name/Synonym: | Stool Parasite Screen (Synonym: Enteric Parasite Screen, Parasite PCR, Cryptosporidium, Cryptosporidiosis, Giardiasis, Giardia, Entamoeba histolytica, Amoebiasis, Amoebic dysentery, Protozoa PCR, Parasitic Diarrhea, Ova and Parasite, O&P) | ||
| Test Includes: | Diarrheal stool specimens are screened using BD MAX™ Enteric Parasite Panel, a commercial polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that detects Giardia species, Cryptosporidium hominis/parvum and Entamoeba histolytica. These pathogens compromise a significant majority of the parasitic infections encountered in clinical practice. Microscopic examination for additional parasites is only performed if appropriate clinical history is provided and specimens with and without SAF fixative are received. See Ova and Parasites, Stool | ||
| LABID (Connect Care): | LAB258 | ||
| Specimen Type: | Stool Swab | ||
| Specimen Source: | Stool Stoma Rectal | ||
| Primary Container: | SAF fixative transport device – PLUS – a 60 mL sterile, plastic container Note:
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| Alternate Containers: | Calgary Zone (ACH/SHC sites) only: COPAN FecalSwab™ (for rectal swabs) Note: Rectal swabs must be collected using the COPAN FecalSwab™ and are only acceptable for pediatric patients with hematochezia and/or neurological sequelae of gastroenteritis (e.g. seizures). A stool specimen should still be submitted when available. | ||
| Specimen Collection Requirements: | Patient Collection Instructions Note: If Ova and Parasite microscopic examination is also requested, a collection kit is required and Parasite History Form must be completed (or additional history provided with Connect Care order). See Ova and Parasites, Stool Avoid laxative, antibiotics, anti-diarrheal drugs, or enemas before collecting stool specimens. Stool must not be contaminated with urine, water, or other contaminants (mineral oil, vagisil, nystatin cream, spermicidal lubricant). Only submit one stool specimen initially, regardless of patient’s clinical circumstances. As this is a PCR test, unlike microscopy, repeat testing is not required. For hospitalized patients, testing will only be performed if symptom onset occurred within the first four days of admission. | ||
| Test Resources: | Order in Connect Care, or use Community Microbiology Requisition - 20571 | ||
| Stability and Storage: | Refrigerate | ||
| Method and Interpretation of Results: | PCR is more sensitive than microscopy. As PCR detects the presence of nucleic acid, PCR-positive results may represent current infection, past/resolving infection, treated infection or colonization. As with all testing, false positive and false negative results may occur. Correlation with clinical picture is required. | ||
| Testing Area: | Microbiology | ||
| Performing Site: | Calgary Diagnostic and Scientific Centre (for Calgary and South Zones) Edmonton Base Lab (for Edmonton, Central and North Zones) | ||
| Additional Test Information: | All positive stool culture results are reported to the Regional Public Health Office, the ordering physician, and Infection Control, when applicable. Specimens will not be processed if:
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| Last Updated On: | Tuesday, September 24, 2024 | ||
| Registered Trademark Comments: | BD MAX is a trademark of Becton, Dickinson and Company or its affiliates. COPAN FecalSwab is a trademark of Copan Italia S.p.A. | ||
