FACTORS INFLUENCING CRYPTOSPORIDIUM TESTING IN CONNECTICUT

To describe patterns of testing for Cryptosporidium oocysts in stool s amples, Connecticut laboratories were surveyed. Different detection me thods were used. Most laboratories examined stools specifically for Cr yptosporidium only on physician request. The rate of positive tests va ried widely (0 to 28%). Higher rates of positivity were associated wit h the use of monoclonal antibody methods, the use of two or more stain ing procedures, and testing of stool specimens in addition to those re quested by physicians.