PARASITOLOGY

Microbiologist:  John Harrison
Phone:                (307) 777-6062

Parasitology Specimen Submission
Diagnostic specimens will be accepted for the examination of human parasites from symptomatic patients.  Stools will be examined for eggs, cysts, and larvae of intestinal worms and protozoa.  Blood smears for parasitic infection will no longer be examined by the Wyoming Public Health Laboratory (WPHL) but can be referred to CDC. Cryptosporidium testing will be performed as a routine procedure.

Specimen Requirements
Specimens should be submitted in Fecal Parasite (FP) containers supplied by the WPHL.  Add stool to both containers until volume reaches the "fill" line, place both containers in the inner aluminum container,complete and submit a bacteriology form with the specimen.  PVA specimens may be submitted for trichrome staining.  Adult worms passed with stool may be placed into 10% formalin and sent the same as stool specimens.  Insects may be submitted as is or in 70% alcohol.

Criteria for Rejection
1. Unpreserved specimens
2. Improper specimen or leaking specimen container

Shipment
Specimens should be shipped in leakproof double mailing containers according to regulations for diagnostic specimens.

Reporting/Interpretation
Positive Reports- Specimens will be reported as genus and species of organism seen as well as stage of life cycle noted. 
Negative Reports - "No ova or parasites seen"