Why is this procedure done?
This test is done to find if you have an infection from a parasite in your stomach and bowels. Most often, you get the parasite in your body when you eat or drink food and water that has the parasite in it. The test also looks for the eggs or ova from the parasites in your stool. ‚
Your doctor may order this test to: ‚
- Find the cause of loose stools, cramping, and belly pain that have gone on for a long time.
- Help prevent the spread of an infection.
- Help your doctor choose the best drugs to treat your infection.
What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test and compare them to what is normal. The doctor will know if you have an infection in your stomach and bowels that needs treatment.
- If the results are normal or negative, it means your stool sample did not have ova or parasites in it. Your loose stools may be due to some other cause. There may also be too few parasites in your sample.
- If the results are not normal or positive, it means your stool sample had ova and parasites present in it. You may have a few or very many of the ova and parasites in your stool.
- Your doctor may order another test. This will help check a result that is not normal or to learn more about your problem.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
- If you are very ill, the doctor may start treatment before the test results are back.
What happens before the procedure?
- There are no special things to do before your test.
- Talk to your doctor about all the drugs you are taking.
What happens during the procedure?
- It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time.
- You will collect a stool sample in a clean container. Your sample should not have contact with water or urine. Ask your doctor for a kit or ideas on how to collect your stool.
- Take your stool to the lab right away. Sometimes your doctor will give you a special container to use when bringing your sample to the lab.
- The lab tech will look at your stool sample under a microscope. The tech is looking for ova or parasites in the stool.
- Your doctor may want you to give more than one stool sample.
What happens after the procedure?
Ask your doctor when you will get the results. ‚
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor find if you have an infection in your stomach and bowels. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/op/tab/sample ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/test_oandp.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚