II. Definition

  1. Stool evaluation for intestinal protozoa and eggs

III. Indications

  1. Travel to developing countries
  2. Watery Diarrhea lasting >7 days

IV. Procedure

  1. Obtain 3 Stool specimens, each >24 hours apart
  2. Submit each sample in preservative
  3. Recheck positive tests 2-3 weeks after treatment

V. Interpretation: Commonly identified protozoa

  1. Ascaris
  2. Strongyloides
  3. Giardia lamblia
    1. Consider GiardiaAntigen testing instead
  4. Cryptosporidium
    1. Consider Cryptospordium Antigen testing instead

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