Specimen Type = Pink or Gray OP Vials               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.

Reviewed by J. Carr on December 05, 2025

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