Description
Why It’s Done:
• To detect motile protozoan parasites in cases of suspected intestinal infections.
• To investigate symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, mucus in stool, or bloody stools.
• To assist in diagnosing acute gastrointestinal infections caused by parasites.
• To guide early treatment decisions before culture or other confirmatory tests are available.
Preparation:
• Sample collection:
o Provide a fresh stool sample collected in a clean, dry container.
o Avoid contamination with urine or water.
• Medications:
o Inform your healthcare provider about any recent antibiotics, antiparasitic treatments, or enemas, as these can affect test results.
• Diet:
o No special dietary restrictions are required unless instructed otherwise.
• Timing:
o Fresh samples are ideal; the test should be performed as soon as possible after collection to observe live organisms.
