Stool Ova & Parasites Test - More Information

The ova and parasite stool test, also known as a stool test for parasites and ova and parasite test, checks the stool for ova and parasites such as ameoba (amoebiasis) and Coccidia (Isospora).

The presence of an ova / parasite in the gastrointestinal tract can cause a variety of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Ova and parasite infections typically occur after eating contaminated food and water, particularly while traveling in foreign countries. While some parasites lead to acute symptoms that require immediate treatment, other types of ova and parasites cause subtle, chronic symptoms that can be undiagnosed for long periods of time.

To get a ova and parasite stool test near you, first order online and visit your selected lab location. This parasite stool test requires 10 grams of fresh stool which can be provided at the Quest Diagnostics lab. There are some preparation recommendations to get the most accurate results on this ova and parasite test. It is recommended that you avoid bismuth, barium (wait 10 days), antimicrobial agents (wait 14 days), and gallbladder dye (wait three weeks). Otherwise, no fasting is necessary for this ova and parasite test. This parasite stool test is more appropriate in looking for parasites in the gastrointestinal tract whereas the parasite blood test is better for searching for parasite blood tests.

Interpreting the results for this ova and parasite stool test is not difficult. Please refer to the parasite stool test sample report link provided above. As can be seen on the sample report, if no ova and parasites are seen in the stool, the stool parasite report will say so. If specific ova or parasites are seen, that will be indicated on the report. People who are concerned about ongoing symptoms or improving the likelihood of identifying and organism might consider getting a 3 sample ova and parasite test for a greater likelihood of finding an ova or parasite.

This ova and parasite stool lab test is a component of the infection panel test which screens for a wider range of infections in the body.