Appropriate approach to OPE testing
OPE testing is not part of the recommended approach for patients with diarrhea unless the patient has traveled to an area where parasitic helminths are present. Instead, molecular amplification or antigen detection methods are recommended for detecting the most common causes of parasitic diarrhea (e.g.,Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora).
Laboratory testing for infectious causes of diarrhea
This algorithm considers all causes of infectious diarrhea, including bacteria and viruses. Most cases of infectious diarrhea are self-limited and the patient will resolve without treatment. Therefore, testing is not recommended unless symptoms have occurred for more than seven days, or the patient has risk factors or warning signs for severe disease. When testing is indicated, we recommend the gastrointestinal pathogens panel (Mayo ID:GIP), as it provides the most efficient, rapid, and cost-effective approach for detecting parasites, viruses, and bacteria that cause diarrhea.
Parasitic investigation of stool specimens algorithm
This algorithm specifically addresses the evaluation of patients with a suspected parasitic infection. Patients with diarrhea may be candidates for the gastrointestinal panel described below. Direction is also given for identifying macroscopic worms, including tapeworm proglottids.
