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.