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Test Code LAB4615 CRYPTOSPORIDIUM/GIARDIA ANTIGEN

Specimen Type

Preferred Specimen: Para-Pak Culture and Sensitivity Stool Transport Vial (Orange top)

Alternative Specimen:

  • Para-Pak Total Fix Stool Transport Vial (Black top)
  • Fresh Stool – Transport asap - must be analyzed w/in 1 hour of collection 

Collection Instructions

Patient should pass the stool into a clean, dry pan or a special container mounted on the toilet for this purpose. Using the collection spoon inside the vial put the stool in the vial(s) until the liquid reaches the red line. Mix contents with collection spoon. Tighten cap and shake firmly to insure that the specimen is adequately mixed.

Sample Stability

Para-Pak C&S (preferred specimen):

  • Refrigerated: 2 Weeks
  • Frozen: 2 Months

Alternative Specimens: 

  • Para-Pak Total Fix – room temperature and frozen: 2 months
  • Fresh Stool – room temperature:  1 hour (extended storage conditions have not been validated)

Specimen Volume

Walnut sized piece

Turnaround Time

STAT: 2 hours
Routine: 4 hours

Test Schedule

Daily

Method

Rapid Qualitative Immunochromatographic Assay

Reference Ranges

Giardia Lamblia Ag: Negative

Giardia Lamblia Ag: Positive
 

Cryptosporidium Ag: Negative

Cryptosporidium Ag: Positive

Synonyms

Cryptosporidium/Giardia Lamblia Antigen, Crypto Giardia Ag

Test Components

Cryptosporidium Ag, Giardia Lamblia Ag

CPT Codes

87328, 87329

Rejection Criteria

Rectal swabs

PVA specimens

Limitations

Stool samples contaminated with an oily or particulate base (ex: barium, mineral oil etc) could interfere with the test and are not recommended.