Factors influencing Cryptosporidium testing in Connecticut.

To describe patterns of testing for Cryptosporidium oocysts in stool samples, Connecticut laboratories were surveyed. Different detection methods were used. Most laboratories examined stools specifically for Cryptosporidium only on physician request. The rate of positive tests varted widely (0 to 28%). Higher rates of positivity were associated with the use of monoclonal antibody methods, the use of two or more staining procedures, and testing of stool specimens in addition to those requested by physicians.