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HelpTest Code EPPNAT Enteric Parasite Panel, NAT
Useful For
Detection of Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium hominis, Cryptosporidium parvum and Entamoeba histolytica in patients with gastroenteritis. Cryptosporidium and Giardia are the most common protozoan parasites encountered in the US and represent 85% of all significant parasites recovered in our laboratory. Multiple stool PCR tests on the same patient are not necessary to optimize yield, and repeat tests on patients with negative initial results are not indicated.
Synonyms/Keywords
Giardia lamblia,Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba, Stool, Feces, Nucleic Acid Test, Enteric Parasite, ST EPPNAT
Specimen Requirements
| Fasting Required | Specimen Type | Preferred Container/Tube | Acceptable Container/Tube | Specimen Volume | Specimen Minimum Volume (allows for 1 repeat) |
Pediatric Minimum Volume (no repeat) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Feces | Sterilr, Leak-proof container |
1 gram | 1 gram | 1 gram |
Acceptable Specimen Types
Feces, Liquid or Soft RawStool
Collection/Processing Instructions
The preferred specimen is fresh stool in a leak-proof container. Transfer approximately 1 gram of stool specimen to a dry, clean container. Avoid contamination with water or urine.
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Feces | Ambient | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 120 hours |
Rejection Criteria
| Rectal Swabs | |
|---|---|
| Feces at room temperature equal to or greater than 24 hours old | |
| Feces refrigerated equal to or greater than 120 hours old | |
| Feces submitted in Cary-Blair | |
| Frozen feces | |
| Duplicate specimen within 24 hours |
Test Components
DNA isolation, multiplexreal-time polymerase chain reaction amplification and detection.
Interferences
Any inhibition ofamplification will be detected through the use of an internal amplificationcontrol.
Interpretations
Negative results in individuals with gastroenteritis may be due to infection by pathogens that are not detected by this test or non-infectious causes. Positive results do not rule out co-infection with other organisms that may also cause gastroenteritis.
Reference Range Information
| Performing Location | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| Marshfield | Negative for Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium hominis, Crytposporidium parvum and Entamoeba histolytica |
Marshfield Labs Performing Department
Marshfield Labs Molecular Pathology
Performing Information
| Performing Location | Day(s) Test Performed | Analytical Time | Methodology/Instrumentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marshfield | Monday through Friday | 6-8 hours* | Nucliec Acid Test |
|
*Testing performed once/day. Sample must be received in the lab by 0400 to be tested same day. |
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CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87505 |
Outreach CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87505 |
Ordering Applications
| Ordering Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Cerner | Enteric Parasite Panel, NAT |