Cyclospora Stain, Stool

CLB, Coccidian like bodies, Cyanobacter like Bodies, Cyclospora cayetanensis

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB3245, Beaker: Cyclospora Stool, MAYO: CYCL

Department

Send Outs

Instructions

Patient should avoid use of antidiarrheal medication (e.g., loperamide [Imodium-AD] or Pepto-Bismol).

The presence of barium will interfere with this test.

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect (preferred): 10.0 gm of random stool sample in ECOFIX stool Transport Vial. To request Ecofix Vials call Customer Service at 1-248-551-1155, select Option 5.

Also Acceptable: 5.0 gm of unpreserved stool in sterile container.

NOTE: Unpreserved specimens collected on Fridays must be received in Send Outs no later than 1:30 pm. Unpreserved specimens should NOT be collected on Saturdays.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

After collection and prior to transport, store collection cup or Ecofix Vial containing stool specimen refrigerated at (2-8°C or 36-46°F). 

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Stool specimen in EcoFix Vial or sterile container, keep refrigerated at (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum 1.0 g preserved, 2.0 g unpreserved)

Rejection Criteria

• Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.
• Frozen.
• All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Lab for test stability.

In-Lab Processing

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Random Stool in EcoFix
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 21 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 21 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Random Stool Unpreserved
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): Unacceptable
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 3 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal: 3 days

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the Reference Laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Mayo Medical Laboratories, Rochester, MN.

Performed

Monday – Saturday.
Results available in 2-4 days.

Reference Range

Negative.
If positive, reported as Cyclospora cayetanensis detected.

Test Methodology

Slide stain with safranin technique.

Clinical Utility

CPT Codes

87015, 87207.

Contacts

Last Updated

7/2/2026