Test Directory
Stool for OCP
Containers - Adult
20ml Universal Stool Container
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Laboratory Site
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA
Howden
Livingston
West Lothian
EH54 6PP
Transport arrangements
OCP is performed on all stool samples where foreign travel outside Western Europe/North America/Canada/Australia/New Zealand, or eosinophilia are mentioned in the request/clinical details. Also performed on specific request with appropriate clinical detail. This includes parasites with dedicated individual pages regarding stool testing on this website - other parasites may be available on investigational basis upon discussion with the Hospital for Tropical Diseases.
Processed at RIE and SJH. Samples may be forwarded to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London for further testing. Transport as soon as is practicable.
Sample storage arrangements
If delay in transporting, store in the fridge (4-6°C)
Special instructions for collection
Collect 2-3mls of liquid or solid faeces in 20ml Universal stool container. Direct patients to information leaflet 'How should I collect and store a poo (stool) sample?' on NHS.uk website https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/infections/how-should-i-collect-and-store-a-stool-faeces-sample/
How to request
Via Trak (For RIE/WGH select: "Faeces - Micro ADULT WGH/RIE only", for SJH select Faeces- Micro SJH), via request form or via GP comms. Please state request for OCP, symptoms, and travel history and suspected pathogen in the 'clinical details' field.
Availability
0900-1800 (RIE). 0900-1700 (SJH).
Anticipated turnaround
5 - 12 days, depending on clinical details.
General additional information
RIE and WGH: PCR for Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica and Cryptosporidium is performed on stools requesting microscopy. Further microscopy based investigation is performed for other parasites based on clinical details given.
SJH: Investigation for OCP is based on clinical details and is performed by microscopy only. PCR will be performed on any sample where mention of amoebic dysentery is made, and on specific request. PCR is carried out at the RIE site but can be requested from SJH laboratory when required. All diarrhoeal stools from patients ≥3 years old will automatically be tested for Clostridioides difficile Toxin