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Immunocompromised Parasitic Screen

Cryptosporidium, Isospora, Cyclospora, Microsporidium

Test Codes

EPIC: O138253

Department

Microbiology

Instructions

• This screen includes:
  • Ova and Parasites (OP)
  • Antigen, Cryptosporidium (AGCRP)
  • Stain, Cyclospora (STCSP)
  • Stain, Isospora (STISO)
  • Stain, Microsporidium (STMIC)
• At least 2 weeks should elapse following barium administration before collection of the specimen.

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: Random stool specimen, duodenal aspirate, or sputum placed in a transport vial with EcoFix preservative.

• Fill the vial until the fluid level reaches the red fill line.
• Unpreserved stool must be placed in EcoFix within 1 hour of collection. 

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Specimens in EcoFix preservative may be maintained at room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Stool, duodenal aspirate, or sputum specimen in EcoFix preservative, at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F).

Rejection Criteria

• Dried, hard specimens.
• Rectal swabs.
• Specimens in leaking containers or containers that have fecal material on the outside of the container.
• Specimens containing oil or urine.
• Specimens that contain toilet water.
• Specimens received in diapers.
• Specimens collected within 7 days of the patient taking a laxative.
• Specimens collected following a soap suds enema.
• Stools containing barium.
• Specimens collected within 14 days following antibiotic usage.
• Unpreserved specimens greater than 1 hour past collection.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 1 hour (Unpreserved)
Room Temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F): 7 days (Preserved)
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days (Preserved)
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Grosse Pointe sent to Royal Oak Microbiology Laboratory for testing.
Royal Oak Microbiology Laboratory
Troy sent to Royal Oak Microbiology Laboratory for testing.

Performed

Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm.
Results available same day, if the specimen is received in the laboratory by 7:00 am.
Weekends: Specimens submitted after 7:00 am on Friday will be tested the following Monday.

Reference Range

No Cryptosporidium spp., Isospora spp., Cyclospora spp., Microsporidium spp., or Ova and Parasites seen.

Test Methodology

Concentration, stain, microscopic examination, immunochromatographic assay.

Clinical Disease

Parasitic protozoa and helminths of various types may inhabit the intestinal tracts of humans. Diarrhea, malnutrition, anemia, and intestinal obstruction are some of the consequences of infection with intestinal parasites.

Reference

1. Garcia, L.S. 2007. Diagnostic Medical Parasitology, 5^th edition. ASM Press, Washington, D.C. 
2. Lindsay, D.S., Upton, S. J., and Weiss, L. M. 2011. Isospora, Cyclospora, and Sarcocystis. Versalovic, J., et. al. (eds.), Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 9^th ed. ASM Press, Washington, D.C., Chapter 138. 
3. Xiao, L. and Cama, V. 2011. Cryptosporidium. Versalov, J., et. al. (eds), Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 10^th ed. ASM Press, Washington, D.C. Chapter 139.

CPT Codes

87207x3, 87015x3, 87177, 87209, 87328.

Contacts

Last Updated

8/10/2023