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Giardia/Cryptosporidium Antigen Screen (8000100038)
Test Mnemonic:

O GICR

Specimen Requirements:
Test Included:

Qualitative detection of Giardia cyst and Cryptosporidium oocyst antigens.

Collection:

Click on link above " Stool collection instructions- Para Pak and Fecal swab" for collection instructions. 

Container:

Fresh stool in a clean container

Para Pak® C&S

Stool submitted in 10% formalin 

Minimum Volume:

A minimum of 2 grams should be submitted for fresh stool. 

Para Pak C&S container should be filled to the indicated line. See specimen collection instructions for proper collection. 

Storage/Transport:

Para Pak C&S containers are transported at room temperature within three days of collection

Fresh stool must be refrigerated and sent to the lab as soon as possible. Specimens with potential delay should be transferred to a Para Pak C&S container.  

Specimen Preparation:

Click link below for Specimen collection instructions:

http://www.medialab.com/dv/dl.aspx?d=1229808&dh=b610e&u=87474&uh=bc5aa

 

Stability:

3 days, fresh or preserved. 

Causes for Rejection:

Specimen submitted in Polyvinyl alcohol ( PVA ) preservative

Specimens other than stool 

Unlabeled, mislabeled, or under labeled samples. 

Reference Range:

Giardia negative  

Cryptosporidium negative 

Turnaround Time:

Testing is performed 7 days a week, in batch, once per day. 

Methodology:

Rapid EIA

Performed:

Clinical Microbiology

Synonyms:

Cryptosporidium assay; Giardia assay; Ova and Parasite Exam; Intestinal Parasite Screen; Giardia cyst; Cryptosporidium oocyst

Clinical Indication:

Persistent diarrhea in patients who are suspected to have a parasitic infection. Should not be ordered on patient who develop diarrhea >3 days after hospitalization. 

CPT 4 Code:

87328; 87329

Note:

EIA antigen for detection of Giardia and Cryptosporidium Antigen testing is more sensitive than O&P microscopy alone. Unless patient has travel history and is immunocompromised, a Giardia/Cryptosporidium EIA is suggested first before Ova and Parasite Fecal exam. 

When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient. Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually. The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-10 code or its verbal equivalent.
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