Cryptosporidium and Giardia are two of the most frequent causes of parasitic intestinal diseases. Both organisms are found throughout the world. Transmission is usually through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Giardiasis in humans is caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis (also known as Giardia intestinalis and Giardia lamblia). The acute disease is characterized by watery diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, bloating, weight loss and malabsorption lasting for several weeks. Chronic or asymptomatic infection can also occur. Cryptosporidiosis in humans is caused by the coccidian parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. Acute symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, low grade fever, nausea and vomiting lasting for several days to over a month. Severe, persistent infections can occur in immunocompromised patients. Infection may also be asymptomatic. The parasite has been implicated in several major waterborne outbreaks in the United States. Diagnosis of Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections has traditionally been done by microscopic examination of stools. More recently, the detection of Giardia and Cryptosporidium antigens in stool specimens using enzyme immunoassays has become an accepted approach to diagnosis.
Specimen Type
Stool
Container
ParaPak (Formalin), Total-Fix, SAF, MIF, Cary-Blair. REJECTION CRITERIA: Any other transport media than those listed. Frozen specimens.
Collection Instructions
Container/Tube: Ova and Parasite(O&P) Stool Specimen Collection Kit Specimen: Place 1 g of stool in 10% formalin vial. (if also ordering Ova and Parasite also place 1g of stool in the PVA vial) Add enough stool / feces specimen to move liquid to fill line on the vial. Specimen must be placed in preservative within 1 hour of collection. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen. Transport Temperature: Refrigerated
Transport Instructions
Formalin, SAF, MIF and Total-Fix: Room temperature or refrigerated. Cary Blair: Refrigerated.
Specimen Stability
Formalin, Total-Fix, SAF, MIF – 2 months after collection. Cary- Blair – Refrigerated- 2 weeks after collection.
