900 Kshs | Home Collection Available
Stool for O/C Test
Synonyms
FIT, iFOBT, Stool for O/C Test
Purpose of Stool for O/C Test
The Stool for Ova and Cysts (O/C) Test is a laboratory test used to detect the presence of parasitic eggs (ova) and cysts in a stool sample. It helps diagnose infections caused by intestinal parasites such as Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, and various helminths.
This test is crucial for:
- Diagnosing parasitic infections that cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, or weight loss.
- Identifying asymptomatic carriers of parasites who may transmit infections.
- Guiding appropriate antiparasitic treatment.
- Monitoring the effectiveness of treatment or the recurrence of infection.
To improve diagnostic accuracy or rule out other causes, the following tests are commonly performed in conjunction with stool culture, Stool antigen tests, Stool for occult blood, Complete blood count (CBC), and PCR-based tests.
Patient Preparation for iFOBT
The patient is not subjected to any restrictions.
Samples
One Polymedco OC-auto Sampling bottle with stool. Polymedco OC-auto Sampling bottle. The fecal sample should not contact any toilet water. Maintained at room temperature.
Reference Range
Negative/Normal
Results Turnaround
3 days after receipt of samples.
Diseases / Diagnostic indicators
The Stool for Ova and Cysts Test is commonly used to detect intestinal parasitic infections, including:
- Amoebiasis (Entamoeba histolytica)
- Giardiasis (Giardia lamblia)
- Ascariasis (Ascaris lumbricoides)
- Hookworm infection (Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus)
- Trichuriasis (Trichuris trichiura)
- Tapeworm infections (Taenia species)
- Strongyloidiasis (Strongyloides stercoralis)
The test results may indicate;
Positive Result:
- Indicates the presence of one or more types of parasite ova or cysts in the stool, confirming a parasitic intestinal infection. Treatment is based on the specific parasite identified.
Negative Result:
- Suggests no detectable parasitic infection, but multiple samples over several days may be necessary, as parasite shedding can be intermittent.
This comprehensive study on occult blood diagnostics provides more information on the clinical application and effectiveness of occult blood tests.