Specimen Information

Deliver specimen to the laboratory as soon as collected. All stool samples for ova & parasite should be collected in Total Fix Vial (supply #032040). Three samples may be necessary to detect certain parasites. These specimens should be collected every 24 to 48 hours during a time frame of no more than 10 days to detect intermittent shedding of parasites. If the patient has been hospitalized for more than 3 days, testing should not be performed. If the patient has not traveled outside of the U.S., order Cryptosporidium/Giardia antigen test.

*Submit sterile container within ONE HOUR of collection.

Collection and Transport of Sample for Fecal Ova and Parasites

• Collect sample in a bedpan, avoiding contamination with urine.
• If the patient is at home, collect specimen in Stool Collection Commode or have the patient put plastic wrap over the toilet bowl.
• At least 1 mL (size of a walnut) of the sample is needed. Do not fill stool above the fill line on the transport vial.  
• If the specimen cannot be transported to the lab within ONE HOUR, inoculate stool into a transport vial (Total Fix), which can be obtained from Customer Service (802) 847-5121. Transport to the lab within 72 hours.
• All vials should be inverted several times so the sample and preservative are well mixed.

 **S. haemotobium adults are found in the portal vein of the urinary bladder in the infected human. Laboratory recovery depends upon repeated daily examinations of fresh urine specimens collected around noon. 

***Refrigerated samples are acceptable.