Ova and Parasite Test

Why this test may be ordered

• Persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas, nausea, vomiting, or fever
• Blood or mucus in stool, greasy or foul-smelling stools
• Suspected exposure to parasites (e.g., contaminated water, travel, contact with infected person)
• Weakened immune system, very young or older age

Preparation and collection

You don't need any special preparations for an ova and parasite test.

You will need to provide a stool sample. Your provider will give you a container or kit with instructions. In general, collect a sample in a clean, dry container, avoiding urine, toilet paper, or water from the toilet. Label the container with your name, date, and time. Wash hands well after collection. Multiple samples over several days may be needed because parasites may not be present in every stool sample.

According to MedlinePlus, there is no known risk to having an ova and parasite test.

Understanding results

This test looks for intestinal parasites and their eggs (ova) in a stool sample. Results are reported as negative (no parasites found) or positive (parasites or eggs found). Your healthcare provider will interpret the results based on your symptoms and history.

• Negative: No parasites or eggs were found in your stool sample. This may mean you do not have a parasitic infection, or that there were not enough parasites in the sample to be detected. Limitation: A negative result does not completely rule out infection because parasites may not be present in every stool sample. Multiple samples over several days may be needed for accurate results. Next step: Your provider may order another test and/or different tests to help find out what's causing your symptoms.
• Positive: Parasites and/or their eggs were found in your stool sample, meaning you have an intestinal parasitic infection. The results will also show the type of parasite. Limitation: The test identifies the type of parasite, but treatment decisions depend on your overall health and severity of symptoms. A positive result does not indicate how severe the infection is. Next step: Treatment will depend on the type of parasite and your general health. You will also need to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. You may be told not to swim until all symptoms have been gone for at least two weeks.

• A negative result does not completely rule out infection because parasites may not be present in every stool sample.
• The test relies on sample quality and proper collection; multiple samples over several days may be needed for accurate results.

What to do next

Share results with your healthcare provider, who will interpret them based on your symptoms and history. If positive, treatment may include medications and hydration. If negative but symptoms persist, your provider may order additional tests.

• How many stool samples will I need to collect?
• Do I need to prepare for the test?
• resultIntroduction:
• This test looks for intestinal parasites and their eggs (ova) in a stool sample. Results are reported as negative (no parasites found) or positive (parasites or eggs found). Your healthcare provider will interpret the results based on your symptoms and history.
• resultRows:

Evidence source

U.S. National Library of Medicine: Ova and Parasite Test