Body Over the last month, the percentage of positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests among Orange County residents has been increasing. This is in line with previous seasons where an increase in disease activity during both the summer and winter months was observed. Molecular data tracking of SARS-CoV-2 variants shows a range of...

Body (Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency (HCA), Communicable Disease Control Division is reporting an increase in the percentage of positive COVID-19 PCR tests in Orange County residents over the past month. To minimize the severity of the recent increase, the HCA is reminding residents to take preventative...

Body TEST NAME Cryptosporidium/Giardia Screen DEPARTMENT PARA TESTS P2 DESCRIPTION Direct Fluorescent Antibody test and/or modified acid-fast stain. Cryptosporidium is a significant pathogen in HIV+ patients. This is a combination assay for both Cryptosporidium and Giardia. SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS SPECIMEN: Preserved stool. 3 collected every other day is strongly recommended. CONTAINER: 2...

Body TEST NAME Cyclospora Screen DEPARTMENT PARA TESTS P3 DESCRIPTION Fluorescent microscopy and/or modified acid-fast stain on concentrated formalin specimens. Cyclospora is a significant pathogen in both immune-compromised and immunocompetent patients. SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS SPECIMEN: Preserved stool. 3 collected every other day is strongly recommended. CONTAINER: 2-vial stool kit with 10% formalin...

Body TEST NAME Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar Differentiation DEPARTMENT PARA TESTS P4 DESCRIPTION EIA test. Entamoeba histolytica is pathogenic whereas E. dispar is not. Do not order test unless previous positive by routine O&P exam. EIA will confirm presence of the pathogen. SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS SPECIMEN: Unpreserved (fresh) stool. CONTAINER: Clean container COLLECTION...

Body TEST NAME Escherichia coli (STEC) Culture DEPARTMENT BACT TESTS B10 DESCRIPTION Screening procedure for isolation and identification of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli utilizing conventional biochemical, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of resolution (MALDI-TOF), and whole genome sequencing techniques. Toxin production confirmed utilizing lateral flow immunoassay. SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS SPECIMEN: Stool CONTAINER...

Body Youthful Offender Wraparound (YOW) Serving: Children and Transitional Age Youth (TAY), Age 12–26 Facility: County contractor Region: Countywide Address: 1231 E. Dyer Rd., Ste. 135, Santa Ana, CA 92705 16580 Harbor Blvd., Unit M, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 Phone: (714) 659-6381 Fax: (714) 659-6379 Web Address: www.WaymakersOC.org Eligibility: Children and...

Body TEST NAME Gonorrhea, Microscopic Exam DEPARTMENT BACT TESTS B14 DESCRIPTION A STAT Gram stain for the presence of intracellular gram-negative diplococci resembling Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Note: a Gram stain should not be used as a diagnostic test for gonorrhea in females. SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS SPECIMEN: Female endocervical or male urethral discharge CONTAINER...

Body TEST NAME HCV Quantitative RNA DEPARTMENT SERO TESTS S58 DESCRIPTION Automated real-time transcription-mediated amplification test SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS SPECIMEN: Serum, 1.5 ml CONTAINER: Serum Separator Tube (SST), (1 Tiger Top, or 1 Gold Top), or 1 Red Top COLLECTION: See serology specimen collection guide for details. Plastic tubes only. TRANSPORT CONDITIONS...

Body TEST NAME Helminth Identification DEPARTMENT PARA TESTS P5 DESCRIPTION Helminth identification is made by microscopic exam. SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS SPECIMEN: Adult worm or proglottids CONTAINER: Clean jar or cup COLLECTION: Place in tap water or 0.85% saline. Do not use formalin or alcohol as a preservative. See Parasitology specimen collection guide...