Ova and Parasite (O&P) Examination, Stool (3 Specimens)

This test checks a sample of your stool (bowel movement) for intestinal parasites or their eggs, such as Giardia or Cryptosporidium. Your doctor may order it if you have ongoing diarrhea, stomach cramps, or other digestive problems, especially after traveling or drinking untreated water.

The Amylase test after Sincalide stimulation measures the level of amylase enzyme in your blood. Amylase is produced by the pancreas and helps digest carbohydrates. Sincalide is a synthetic hormone similar to cholecystokinin (CCK), which naturally stimulates the pancreas to release digestive enzymes. By measuring amylase levels after Sincalide administration, doctors can assess how well your pancreas is working.

You will collect small stool samples at home using a special container or kit from your doctor or the laboratory. You typically provide three separate samples on three different days, following the collection instructions carefully, and then return them to the lab to be examined under a microscope.

During this test, you will first receive an injection of Sincalide. Then, your healthcare provider will collect blood samples at specific intervals—typically 30, 60, and 90 minutes after the injection. The '3rd specimen' refers to the third blood sample collected, usually around 90 minutes after Sincalide administration. Each sample is sent to a laboratory to measure amylase activity.

Parasites and their eggs are not passed in every bowel movement, so a single sample can easily miss an infection. Collecting a third specimen on a different day greatly increases the chance of detecting a parasite if one is present, helping your doctor make an accurate diagnosis and choose the right treatment.

The timing of blood collection is crucial because pancreatic response to stimulation follows a specific pattern. The 3rd specimen helps doctors see the later phase of pancreatic enzyme release, providing a more complete picture of pancreatic function. This sequential sampling helps identify if your pancreas responds normally to hormonal stimulation.