Stool ova and parasites exam is a laboratory test to determine if a stool sample contains parasites or eggs (ova) that are associated with intestinal infections.
A stool sample is needed. There are many ways to collect the sample. You can catch the stool on plastic wrap that is loosely placed over the toilet bowl and held in place by the toilet seat. Then, put the sample in a clean container.
One test kit supplies a special toilet tissue that you use to collect the sample. You then put the sample in a clean container.
To collect a sample from a child in diapers, line the diaper with plastic wrap. If the plastic wrap is positioned properly, you can keep the stool separate from urine, thus ensuring a better sample.
Return the sample to your health care provider's office or laboratory as directed. At the lab, a small smear of stool is placed on a microscope slide and examined.
The laboratory test does not involve you. There is no discomfort.
Your health care provider may order this test if you have signs of parasites, diarrhea that does not go away, or other intestinal symptoms.
There are no parasites or eggs in the stool sample.
Talk to your health care provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
An abnormal result means parasites or eggs are present in the stool. This is a sign of a parasitic infection. Such infections include:
There are no risks.
Parasites and stool ova exam
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Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
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