Helminthes ova are infectious parasite eggs. They are secreted in the feces of infected individuals and are resistant to environmental conditions.  They become concentrated in sewage sludge.  Thus, state and federal rules require the testing of biosolids for helminth ova and enteric viruses before land application. The Method used  for their detection is described at the EPA's web site:

Test Method for Detecting, Enumerating, and determining the Viability of Ascaris Ova in Sludge. EPA/625/R92/013

The method utilized for analysisis is described in EPA's publication entiteled Environmental Regulations and Technology, Control of Pathogens and Vector Attraction in Sewage Sludge (EPA/625/R-92/013) July 2003.  The document/report is a primary reference for regional, state, and local regulatory authorities and their constituents. It describes the federal requirements concerning pathogens in sewage sludge and septage destined for land application or surface disposal, and it provides guidance for meeting those requirements. The document contains minor revisions from the 1999 edition, including minor editorial changes, an updated list of EPA and state biosolids coordinators, and minor updates to the procedures for analyzing bacteria, helminth ova, and enteroviruses.

We offer also various modifications of this method to allow the detection of these pathogens in sewer water, foods, and soil samples. Our lab scientists are trained and qualified to determine presence of even a small number of Helminth ova in a sample since they poses a definite risk to human health. We also provide enumeration and viability testing for inactivation and filtration testing.