Cryptosporidium Nucleic Acid Detection in Stool (Qualitative)
This test checks for the presence of Cryptosporidium parasites in your stool, which can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
["A positive result may indicate an infection that requires medical evaluation and treatment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 60545-1
- Short code
- Cryptosp DNA Spec Ql NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- Cryptosp DNA Spec Ql NAA+probe
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’ve experienced persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, or other symptoms that could suggest a parasitic infection, especially if you’ve traveled to areas with higher risk or have weakened immunity.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll provide a sample of your stool, which is tested in a lab to detect genetic material from Cryptosporidium parasites. Results are qualitative (positive or negative) rather than quantifying the amount of parasite present.
Possible Results and Next Steps
A positive result means the test found genetic material from Cryptosporidium. This suggests you may have an active infection and should follow up with your doctor for further evaluation, possible treatment, and guidance on managing symptoms.
When You Might Get Results
Results are typically available within 24 to 72 hours, depending on lab processing times. Your doctor will discuss the results with you and may recommend additional testing or follow-up care.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Crypto Stool Test (Qual)
Frequently asked questions
Cryptosporidium is a common cause of watery diarrhea in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, transplant recipients, or those on certain medications that suppress immunity. It can also affect healthy individuals, especially children.
How to Prepare for the Test
What to Do If You Have Symptoms
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy