Test Code MOC Ova, Cyst and Parasites Examination
Additional Codes
| Epic Ordering Code | LAB955 |
|---|---|
| NBS code | LBC04768 |
| Service code | 23204 |
Specimen Requirements
Submit only one of the following
| Preferred: | |
| Stool container | White sterile container |
Specimen Type: Stool
Container/Tube: Sterile screw-capped container with attached spatula
Volume: 10.0 g / 5.0 mL
Minimum Volume: 5.0 g (size of a grape) / 2.0 mL (liquid stool)
Collection Instructions: Collect up to 3 specimens, one specimen collected every 48 hours. Specimen received within 24 hours from the previous one would be rejected.
Indicate target parasite(s) if suspected.
Specimen Type: Urine (for Schistostoma haematobium, Microsporidia)
Container/Tube: Sterile container without additives or boric acid
Volume: 20.0 mL
Minimum Volume: 10.0 mL
Collection Instructions: Collect clean catch urine during the mid-day between noon to 3 pm.
Specimen Type: Cellophane (“Scotch”) Tape collection (for pinworm)
Container/Tube: Please refer to Cellophane tape method for Perianal specimen.
Volume: Per kit (entire collection)
Specimen Type: Duodenal aspirate: recommended for the detection
of Giardia and larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis, Ascaris lumbricoides and Clonorchis sinensis.
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Volume: Entire content
Minimum Volume: 1.0 mL
Collection Instructions: Pass a tube orally through to the duodenum (at least in the third portion) and aspirate the materials. Place contents in a sterile container. Send immediately.
Specimen Type: Aspirates, fluids, biopsies
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Volume: Entire content
Minimum Volume: 1.0 mL (fluids); 1.0 g (tissues)
Collection Instructions: Collect specimen aseptically into sterile container.
Specimen Type: Skin scrapings (for Scabies detection)
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Volume: Entire content
Collection Instructions: Collect skin scrapes into sterile container. Cap tightly.
Specimen Stability and Condition
Preferred temperatures for storage prior to and during shipping to NUH
| Specimen Type | All types |
|---|---|
| Ambient | Submit to lab as soon as possible |
| Unacceptable conditions |
Frozen or refrigerated stool
Stool specimen contaminated with urine
Unpreserved liquid or soft stool specimen received more than 1 hour post collection.
Unpreserved formed stool specimen received more than 24 hours post collection. |
Methodology
Microscopy for stool specimen with formalin ethyl acetate concentration; Microscopy for other types of specimens
Days and Times Performed
Monday through Sunday, TAT 1 - 3 days
Reference Interval
Ova, Cyst & Parasites not seen.
Testing Laboratory
National University Hospital
Clinical Microbiology, 67724343
Useful For
Diagnosis and identification of human parasitic infection based on morphology.
Update
Last updated 7/9/2026
LOINC Code Information
673-4
Special Instruction
This test does not rule out the presence of cryptosporidium, cyclospora and microsporidia.
Please indicate separately if investigations for the above are required.