Physician Office Specimen Requirements

Ova and parasite testing on a patient hospitalized ≥4 days require consultation with Microbiology Supervisor at 302-733-3678 before processing.

Container/Tube:  Screw-capped, leakproof container

Specimen:  20 g to 40 g of formed stool or 5 to 6 tablespoons of liquid stool specimen

Collection Instructions:  The following substances can interfere with recovery of parasites and should be avoided:  antacids, antibiotics, barium sulfate, bismuth, gallbladder dye, mineral oil, or non-absorbable antidiarrheal compounds.

Note:  1. Travel history is required for processing.

2. Label container with patient’s full name and 1 additional unique patient identifier such as date of birth, medical record number, emergency ID number, date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.