Health Encyclopedia

Stool ova and parasites exam

Definition

Stool ova and parasites exam is a lab test to look for parasites or eggs (ova) in a stool sample. The parasites are associated with intestinal infections.

Alternative Names

Parasites and stool ova exam; Amebiasis - ova and parasites; Giardiasis - ova and parasites; Strongyloidiasis - ova and parasites; Taeniasis - ova and parasites

How the Test is Performed

A stool sample is needed.

There are many ways to collect the sample. You can collect the sample:

On plastic wrap. Place the wrap loosely over the toilet bowl so that it is held in place by the toilet seat. Put the sample in a clean container given to you by your health care provider.
In a test kit that supplies a special toilet tissue. Put it in a clean container given to you by your provider.

Do not mix urine, water, or toilet tissue with the sample.

For children wearing diapers:

Line the diaper with plastic wrap.
Position the plastic wrap so that it will prevent urine and stool from mixing. This will provide a better sample.

Return the sample to your provider's office or lab as directed. At the lab, a small smear of stool is placed on a microscope slide and examined.

How the Test will Feel

The laboratory test does not involve you. There is no discomfort.

Why the Test is Performed

Your provider may order this test if you have signs of parasites, diarrhea that does not go away, or other intestinal symptoms.

Normal Results

There are no parasites or eggs in the stool sample.

Talk to your provider about the meaning of your test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An abnormal result means parasites or eggs are present in the stool. This is a sign of a parasitic infection, such as:

Risks

There are no risks.

References

DuPont HL, Okhuysen PC. Approach to the patient with suspected enteric infection. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 267.

Plourde AR, Beavis KG. Specimen collection and handling for diagnosis of infectious diseases. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 66.

Siddiqi HA, Rabinowitz S, Axiotis CA. Laboratory diagnosis of gastrointestinal and pancreatic disorders. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 23.

Wojewoda CM, Stempak LM. Medical bacteriology. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24 th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 57.

Review Date:5/6/2022
Reviewed By:Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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