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Rapid Intestinal Parasite Testing The laboratory is now offering a new procedure for the rapid identification of certain intestinal parasites. The Triage Parasite Panel will provide a significant improvement in sensitivity over traditional Microscopic O & P exams. This assay detects the presence of Giardia lamblia, Enatamoeba histolytica/dispar, and Cryptosporidium parvum in a stool sample. The sensitivity of the system is high, with negative predictive values of 98% or better. Because the assays detect specific antigens (antigens are shed continuously, organisms are shed periodically), parasite testing will no longer require that multiple specimens be submitted. A single sample is all that is required. We anticipate this new procedure will enhance our service to you:
If the result for all organisms on the panel is negative and if the patient’s history and symptoms are consistent with parasitic infectious disease, an O & P exam can be ordered. Please order a new specimen to be submitted to the lab. Understanding the clinical utility of rapid parasite ID, we are pleased to be able to expand our service to you to include this new procedure. The Triage Parasite Panel will be performed for any O & P requests we receive. Please contact the laboratory if you require any additional information regarding this new assay. As this system tests for all three organisms simultaneously with discrete results for each, the following report form will be used beginning immediately: A SAMPLE LAB REPORT Giardia lamblia 0 Positive 0 Negative E. Histo/Parvum 0 Positive 0 Negative C. Parvum 0 Positive 0 Negative TEST ORDERING: Physicians order Triage Parasite Panel ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS: Please contact the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine: Pathologists Dr. Turjman Ext. 6196 Dr. Joyce Ext. 6197 Microbiology Department Mrs. Becky Bales, M.T. Ext. 5142
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