A comparison of the formalin-ether concentration and trichrome-stained smear methods for the recovery and identification of intestinal protozoa
Garcia, L.S.; Brewer, T.C.; Bruckner, D.A.
American Journal of Medical Technology 45(11): 932-935
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9335 PMID: 92195 Document Number: 147697
Using the polyvinyl alcohol one-vial collection method, faeces from 13 194 outpatients in the USA were examined by both formalin-ether concentration and trichrome-stained smears. 3077 patients (23.3%) had one or more species of intestinal protozoa. Of the pathogenic protozoa identified (Entamoeba histolytica, E. hartmanni, Giardia lamblia, Dientamoeba fragilis), 96.3% of the trophozoites and 44.2% of the cysts were identified only by the stained smear method. It is recommended that both procedures should be used for the routine laboratory examination of faeces for protozoa.