Urine is acceptable for the detection of Schistosoma haematobium. Urine should be collected around noon and submitted in a sterile, leak-proof container, and transported refrigerated to the laboratory as soon as possible.
Sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage may be submitted in in Total-Fix, 10% formalin or unpreserved for examination when Paragonimus westermani eggs, Strongyloides stercoralis larvae, Ascaris lumbricoides larvae, or hookworm larvae are suspected. Unpreserved specimens should be refrigerated and transported to the laboratory as soon as possible.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the additional non-stool sources listed below.13 Note that testing of these specimens may require approval of the Quest Diagnostics Medical Director.
- Duodenal aspirates should be submitted in Total-Fix or 10% formalin for examination when Giardia duodenalis or Strongyloides stercoralis are suspected.
- Sigmoidoscopy material and abscesses of the liver and lung should be submitted in Total-Fix or PVA when Entamoeba histolytica is suspected.