Test Detail

 

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Modified Acid-Fast Smear for Parasites (Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, and Cystoisospora Identification) Back to Test Directory
Test Description
Microscopic examination of Modified Acid Fast Stain for coccidian parasites.
Panel Components
Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, and Cystoisospora
Performed Avg. Turnaround Time Method
Coralville, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F
 1 - 4 business days Modified Acid Fast Stain and Microscopy
Fee CPT Code(s)
$17.61 87015, 87207
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type: Stool (diarrheal) specimen
Patient Preparation: The patient should be instructed not to take any antacids, oily laxatives, or anti-diarrheal medications unless prescribed by the physician.
Collection Instructions: Collect the specimen using a Stool Collection for Ova and Parasites Kit provided by SHL. The kit includes a specimen bag, an absorbent sheet, and one Total-Fix vial to preserve the stool specimen. Label vial with patient's name, unique identifier (e.g., date of birth), and date of collection. Pass the stool into a clean, dry plastic disposable container or place a large plastic bag or kitchen wrap over the toilet seat to catch the specimen. DO NOT MIX URINE OR WATER WITH THE STOOL SPECIMEN.

Semi-formed stool: Using the spork built into the lid, add stool to the vial until the liquid reaches the red fill line. Any blood or mucous should be included.
    Liquid stool: Pour the stool into the vial up to the red fill line.
      Tighten the vial cap completely. A leaking specimen may be unsuitable for testing. Clean the outside of the vial with rubbing alcohol or soap and water if they are soiled. Check to make sure the patient name and date of collection are still readable.

      Wash hands thoroughly. Avoid contact with the Total-Fix solution inside the vial. If contact occurs, flush the affected area with water. Contact a physician immediately if irritation develops.

      Temperature and Stability: Room Temperature (35°C)
      Unacceptable Conditions: Formed stool, unpreserved stool, improperly collected specimens (e.g., rectal swabs), leaking specimen, multiple specimens within 24 hours, specimens containing barium, oil, water, or urine
      Expected Results: Cryptosporidium sp.: Present, Absent. Cyclospora sp.: Present, Absent. Cystoisospora (Isospora) belli: Present, Absent.
      Shipping Instructions
      Wrap specimen container in absorbent material and place in a biohazard bag. Seal the bag and place into the mailer along with a completed Test Request Form. Transport specimen at room temperature. Ship to the Coralville location.
      Comments
      Test for persistent diarrhea (>14 days) or known risk factors if Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, or Cystoisospora is the suspected infectious agent. WARNING! DO NOT DRINK THE TOTAL-FIX SOLUTION IN THE COLLECTION KIT -- IT IS POISONOUS. If ingestion occurs, drink milk or water. Call the local Poison Control Center, your local physician, or the Iowa Poison Control Center day or night at 1-(800) 222-1222.
      Alternate Names
      Cryptosporidium stain, Cyclospora stain, Cystoisospora stain