How would stool screening requests fit into a lab that also performs Ova and Parasite (O&P) examinations?
Any diagnostic laboratory performing routine parasitology testing could offer both options: routine O&P examinations and the stool screening tests. It is important to realize that there are many acceptable options and laboratories will select different approaches, depending on many variables. These choices should not be categorized as “right or wrong” or “acceptable or unacceptable” – they are merely different. The assumption that there is only one correct approach for the examination of stool specimens for parasites is neither appropriate nor realistic. Very few laboratories will handle this type of testing exactly the same way and there are many options that are clinically relevant and acceptable for quality patient care.
