Faecal Parasite diagnosis - UKAS accredited test
Faecal microscopy
A concentration technique is routinely performed on all faecal samples for the presence of cysts, ova and larvae.
Sample requirement: Minimum of ¼ specimen pot of faecal sample. Ova, cysts and parasites may be passed intermittently therefore three samples may be required to be examined. Ova, cysts and parasites will diminish over time therefore it is more ideal for the sample to be less than 2 days old upon receipt at LSTM, however older stools will not be rejected.
Sputum
Sputum microscopy is performed for parasitic ova.
Specimen requirement: Age and volume of sample is not critical. The laboratory does not process samples when a diagnosis of TB cannot be excluded.