Ova= & Parasites Sample Collection <= /p>
The importance of properly collected and preserved specimens cannot be overemphasized since inadequate, old or poorly preserved materials are of little value in establishing a diagnosis. Any specimens submitted that are not properly collected and/or thoroughly mixed, will not be examined for ova and parasites.
1. = A series of three specimens should be collected on separate days at least one= to two days apart.
2. = Specimens must be collected before intestinal X-rays are taken, otherwise specimen collection should be delayed as follows:
a. = 5 to 10 days after barium or bismuth have been given
b. = 2 weeks after receiving gallbladder dye
3. = Reliable diagnosis is not possible until at least 3 - 4 weeks after antibiotic thera= py, particularly tetracycline.
4. = The following drugs or compounds render stool specimens unsatisfactory for ova = and parasite examination:
a. = Non-absorbable anti-diarrheal compounds
b. = Antacids
c. = Mineral oil
d. = Anti-malarials
5. = If a purged specimen is necessary, saline cathartics only should be used (sodium sulfite or buffered phospho-soda). Mineral oil, bismuth or magnesia compounds are unsatisfactor= y.
Submit a fresh stool sample to laboratory immediately after passage of the stool in a waxed cardboard container or sterile cup. P= ass the sample directly into the plastic cup. Do not collect the sample fr= om the toilet bowl or contaminate with urine.
It is best for outpatients to receive O & P kits= with preservatives rather than submitting fresh stool samples.
One bottle of PVA
One bottle of neutral formalin
CAUTION! Formalin is irritating to=
the
skin and mucous membranes. Fumes can be dangerous to the respiratory system=
. If
spilled, ventilate the area and clean the area while protected with rubber
gloves. If spilled on skin the area must be flushed immediately with water.=
NOTE:
One stool collection kit is required for every specimen/test that is ordere=
d.
If
you have any questions, please call the Laboratory at 795-2330.
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-famil=
y:
Arial'>1.
Pass a stool
specimen into a plastic cup or clean, dry, wide-mouth container. Do not col=
lect
feces from the toilet bowl or contaminate with urine. Proceed to step 2 wit=
hin
one hour of passing the stool sample.
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-famil=
y:
Arial'>2.
Using the b=
ottle
cover with the attached paddle, place small scoopfuls of stool from areas w=
hich
appear bloody, slimy or watery, into the bottle until the contents rise to =
the
red line.
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-famil=
y:
Arial'>3.
Mix the spe=
cimen
thoroughly until a smooth suspension of feces is obtained then close the cap
tightly. Hold at room temperature.
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-famil=
y:
Arial'>4.
Using the o=
ther
bottle cap with attached paddle, repeat steps 2 and 3 for the bottle labeled
PVA.
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-famil=
y:
Arial'>5.
Label both
bottles with your full name, date of birth and the date/time of collection.=
<= span style=3D'mso-fareast-font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial'>6.&n= bsp; When all of= the specimens have been collected, return them to the laboratory.
Document Control
Facility: Central Maine Med=
ical
Center, 300 Main Street, Lewiston, Maine 04240
Document
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