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Submitting purged samples:

 Submitting purged samples increases detection of parasites by forcing them out of the bowel. Purging involves drinking a strong laxative to induce diarrhoea. However, some laxatives may interfere with parasite morphology and the staining technique used for accurate identification of Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis.

The following products are proven not to interfere with test results:

Fleets Phospho-Soda, Golytely, Nulytely (USA and Canada), Picoprep (Australia), Picosulphate (UK), and Klean-prep (European, African and Middle, Far Eastern countries and Canada).

Purging prior to taking anti-parasitic medications can help decrease the parasite load in the bowel. Use one sachet the day before beginning treatment. (Do not take whilst on medications).

Drink plenty of fluids.

Check with your doctor before taking any substance which causes chronic diarrhoea.

More stool testing tips:

Randomly select small pieces from the last portion of the stool. Studies have shown more parasites reside in the last half of the stool than the first half.
Ingestion of some products prior to collection of faecal sample may interfere with the detection of parasites. These include tetracyclines, sulfonamides, antiprotozoal agents, laxatives, antacids, castor oil, magnesium hydroxide, barium sulphate, bismuth kaolin compounds, hypertonic salts, mineral supplements, anti-parasitic herbs, antibiotics, antacids, antidiarrheals, enemas, and intestinal radiocontrast agents may interfere with recovery of the parasite. All of these should be avoided 3 weeks before submitting samples.
Some toilet paper may be impregnated with barium salts, which are inhibitory for some fecal pathogens.
Recent or current antibiotic/anti-parasitic therapy may decrease the number of parasites in the stool specs thereby decreasing the chance of detection by the lab.