O&P
Formal name: Ova and Parasite Exam
Related tests: Stool Culture, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Entamoeba histolytica antigen tests
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?
To determine whether you have a parasite infecting your gastrointestinal tract
When to Get Tested?
When you have diarrhea that lasts more than a few days and/or have blood or mucus in your loose stools, especially if you have drunk unpurified water while camping or have traveled outside of the United States
Sample Required?
A fresh or preserved stool sample, sometimes multiple samples collected on different days
