Comparison between the Midi Parasep and Midi Parasep Solvent Free (SF) faecal parasite concentrators
- 1Department of Clinical Parasitology, UKNEQAS Parasitology, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London, UK
- 2Statistics Unit, Centre for Infections, HPA, UK
- Correspondence to Professor Peter L Chiodini, Department of Clinical Parasitology, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Mortimer Market, Capper Street, London WC1E 6JB, UK; peter.chiodini{at}uclh.nhs.uk
- Accepted 15 May 2011
- Published Online First 16 June 2011
Abstract
Aim To compare the recovery of parasites in faecal samples using the Midi Parasep with ethyl acetate and Midi Parasep Solvent Free (SF) faecal parasite concentrators.
Methods 23 preserved and 11 fresh faecal samples were microscopically examined for the presence of parasites using the Midi Parasep concentrator with ethyl acetate centrifuged for 1 and 3 min and the Midi Parasep SF concentrator.
Results The Midi Parasep SF faecal parasite system recovered significantly fewer ova and cysts and resulted in a notably larger deposit than the Midi Parasep concentrator with ethyl acetate.
Conclusions Parasites present in small numbers that would be detected using the Midi Parasep concentrator with ethyl acetate could be missed using the SF faecal parasite system.
Footnotes
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Funding PLC is supported by the UCL Hospitals Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre Infection Theme.
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Competing interests None.
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Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.
