Test ID OAPNS Ova and Parasite, Microscopy, Varies
Useful For
Detection and identification of parasitic protozoa and the eggs and larvae of parasitic helminths
Method Name
Microscopic
May include Touch/Tease Preparation, Direct Wet Preparation, Concentrated Wet Preparation, Permanent (Trichrome or Giemsa) Stained Preparation.
Reporting Name
Ova and Parasite, Microscopy, VariesSpecimen Type
VariesOrdering Guidance
If specimens are suspected of containing tapeworm segments or other adult worms or worm segments, the suspected worm should be placed in 70% alcohol and order PARID / Parasite Identification, Varies.
If microsporidia are suspected:
-For non-stool/non-urine specimen, order MTBS / Microsporidia Stain, Varies
-For feces or urine, order LCMSP / Microsporidia species, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
If pinworm is suspected, order PINW / Pinworm Exam, Perianal. Perianal skin sampling using clear cellophane tape or a SWUBE device is required for this test.
Urine specimens should be sent for SHUR / Schistosoma Exam, Random, Urine or TVRNA / Trichomonas vaginalis, Nucleic Acid Amplification, Varies as applicable.
If scabies is suspected, submit skin scrapings and order PARID / Parasite Identification, Varies.
Duodenal aspirates, small bowel aspirates, or colonic washings should be placed in Ecofix in a ratio of 1:1 and order OAP / Ova and Parasite, Concentrate and Permanent Smear, Microscopy, Feces.
For preserved stool analysis, order OAP / Ova and Parasite, Concentrate and Permanent Smear, Microscopy, Feces.
Necessary Information
Specify on the order if a specific parasite is suspected.
Indicate source on the label of the specimen.
Specimen Required
Specimen Type: Bile
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Specimen Type: Bone marrow
Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA) and/or slides
Specimen Volume: 4 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Bone marrow and/or slides will be accepted for this test.
2. If submitting slides with EDTA tube, label and bag specimens together. Send refrigerate as one collection.
Specimen Type: Spinal fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Type: Fluid, abscess, drainage material
Sources: Abdominal, ascites, brain, cyst, (also specify location of cyst) liver, lymphatic, peritoneal, splenic
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 15 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Place half of collection into preservative (Ecofix or PVA and Formalin) in a ratio of 1:1.
2. Place other half of collection in a sterile container.
3. Label both specimens, bag together, and send refrigerate as one collection.
Specimen Type: Respiratory
Source: Bronchial washing, bronchoalveolar lavage, sputum
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Specimen Type: Tissue
Sources: Bladder, brain, colon, intestine, liver, lymph node, lung, muscle, rectal, spleen
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 5-10 mm
Collection Instructions: Place specimen in 1 to 2 drops of sterile saline to keep tissue moist.
Specimen Minimum Volume
Respiratory specimens, spinal fluid, abscess, or drainage material: 0.5 mL
Tissue: 3 mm
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Varies | Refrigerated | 5 days |
Reference Values
Negative
If positive, organism identified
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
4 to 5 daysPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test was developed, and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87015-Concentration (any type), for infectious agents (if applicable)
87209-Smear, primary source with interpretation; complex special stain (eg, trichrome, iron hematoxylin) for ova and parasites (If applicable)
87210-Wet mount for infectious agents (if applicable)
87207-Smear, primary source, with interpretation; special stain for inclusion bodies or intracellular parasites (if applicable)
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
OAPNS | Ova and Parasite, Microscopy, Varies | 673-4 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
OAPNS | Ova and Parasite, Microscopy, Varies | 673-4 |
Reflex Tests
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
BCON | Concentrate Exam | No, (Bill Only) | No |
BDIR | Direct Prep Exam | No, (Bill Only) | No |
BTRI | Stain Slide Exam | No, (Bill Only) | No |
FILB | Filaria Bill Only | No, (Bill Only) | No |
Testing Algorithm
Reflex testing will be added and performed by the laboratory based on the following criteria:
-Specimen source
-Specimen type: Unpreserved, refrigerate versus preserved
-Indication of parasites suspected
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Gastroenterology and Hepatology Client Test Request (T728) with the specimen.