Cysts and Trophozoites

This test involves the microscopic examination of stool samples to identify the presence of parasitic organisms in two distinct life stages: Cysts (the dormant, infective stage) and Trophozoites (the active, motile, feeding stage). This is a critical component of a Complete Stool Examination for diagnosing intestinal protozoal infections such as Entamoeba histolytica (amebiasis) or Giardia lamblia (giardiasis). Identifying these structures helps determine the chronicity and type of infection, as trophozoites are more commonly found in liquid stools during acute illness, whereas cysts are often found in formed stools.