Test Details
Methodology
Enzyme immunoassay (EIA)
Result Turnaround Time
2 - 5 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Test Includes
Cryptosporidium antigen; Giardia lamblia antigen
Use
Rapid detection of Giardia and Cryptosporidium from clinical samples.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Stool
Volume
2 Grams (thumbnail size portion of stool) or 2 mL liquid stool
Minimum Volume
2 Grams or 2 mL
Container
O&P transport vial with formalin (Para-Pak® pink); sterile screw cap container or Para-Pak® white
Collection Instructions
Fecal specimens for parasitic examination should be collected before initiation of antidiarrheal therapy or antiparasitic therapy. The highest yield on hospitalized patients occurs when diarrhea is present on admission or within 72 hours of admission. The onset of diarrhea more than 72 hours after admission is usually caused by Clostridium difficile toxin rather than parasites or the usual stool pathogens. The following recommendations are made for efficient and cost-effective diagnosis of diarrheal disease in patients admitted with gastroenteritis.
• Submit one or two specimens per diarrheal illness immediately. Consider first requesting EIAs for Giardia and Cryptosporidium (See test Giardia lamblia, Direct Detection EIA [182204] or Giardia lamblia, Direct Detection EIA and Cryptosporidium, Direct Detection EIA [183558]). Giardia and Cryptosporidium are the most common causes of parasitic gastroenteritis in the United States.
• If EIAs are negative, request add-on testing for Ova and Parasites Examination [008623], and submit an additional specimen after five days for O&P examination.
• Also consider testing for unusual stool pathogens (Cyclospora Smear, Stool [183145]), especially in the immunocompromised patient.
Storage Instructions
Maintain stool specimens in O&P transport with formalin at room temperature or refrigerate and test within 18 months of collection. Stool in sterile container should be frozen or can be kept refrigerated if tested within 24 hours.
Causes for Rejection
Inappropriate specimen transport device; specimens in PVA; specimens other than stool; specimens received other than described; inadequate labeling; specimen in Cary Blair medium
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 183558 | Giardia/Cryptosporidium EIA | 48060-8 | 182204 | Giardia lamblia Ag, EIA | 6412-1 | |
| 183558 | Giardia/Cryptosporidium EIA | 48060-8 | 183021 | Cryptosporidium EIA | 6371-9 | |
| Order Code | 183558 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Giardia/Cryptosporidium EIA | |||||
| Order Loinc | 48060-8 | |||||
| Result Code | 182204 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Giardia lamblia Ag, EIA | |||||
| UofM | ||||||
| Result LOINC | 6412-1 | |||||
| Order Code | 183558 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Giardia/Cryptosporidium EIA | |||||
| Order Loinc | 48060-8 | |||||
| Result Code | 183021 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Cryptosporidium EIA | |||||
| UofM | ||||||
| Result LOINC | 6371-9 |