Specimen Type

Parasite Exam - Comprehensive Ova and Parasite Exam

Test ID		LAB258
EPIC Order		Comprehensive Ova and Parasite Exam
CPT Code(s)		87209, 87177
Group/Individual Test		Group
Laboratory		Clinical Microbiology, 984-974-1805
Tube Station		82
Specimen	Routine:	Fresh Stool (<2 hrs old); At least 10 gm if solid, 10 mL if liquid. If transport will be delayed, submit both PARA-PAK Zn-PVA fixative vial (gray) AND 10% Buffered Formalin vial (pink) or ECOFIX preservative vial. See Comments.
Availability	Routine:	Reference Lab - Mayo Clinic Laboratories
	STAT:	N/A
Turnaround Time		4-6 days
Reference Range	Normal:	See Separate Report

Comments	Specimens collected on patients who have been hospitalized for >3 days should not be examined for parasites because of the low yield of this procedure. This microscopic exam for ova and parasites is appropriate for patients with immunodeficiency or a history of travel or residence in an endemic area. The recommended, more sensitive test for Giardia and Cryptosporidium is included as part of the molecular GI PATHOGEN PANEL (GPP).Note that the GPP cannot be performed on specimens in parasitology preservatives. For Microsporidium detection see: Microsporidia PCR

Reviewed by J. Carr on December 05, 2025

UNC Hospitals
McLendon Clinical Laboratories
101 Manning Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514