Faecal Parasites

Microbiology

Specimen

Stool

For Threadworm investigation – Moistened early morning perianal swab (placed in specimen pot)

Specimen container

Fecon pot

To Request On EPIC

For electronic requesting using EPIC (RDUH ONLY):

For OCP screen (Microscopy):

Search for: ‘Ova, cysts and parasites (OCP) screen‘ or test code ‘LAB258‘

For Threadworm Investigation specifically:

Search for: ‘Threadworm Investigation‘ or test code ‘LAB248‘

For other Parasite identification (i.e Roundworms, Tapeworms):

Search for: ‘Parasite identification‘ or test code ‘LAB247‘

Special Instructions

Microscopy for Ova, Cysts and Parasites (OCP) is only routinely performed on specimens from patients with a history of foreign travel (within 6 weeks). If testing is required outside of this window for other reasons (e.g. patient is immunocompromised) please contact the laboratory via email (rduh.MicroConsultants@nhs.net) to discuss with a consultant microbiologist.

We DO NOT perform OCP on samples from patients with a travel history limited to Europe.

Please state OCP on request form (ova, cysts and parasites).

Enterobius vermicularis (threadworm) – please send moistened early morning perianal swab – place in specimen pot rather than in transport media (NB we do not accept sellotape slides).

If Amoebiasis is suspected, please contact the duty Microbiologist to discuss.