Identification of mammalian feces by thin layer chromatography of coprostanol: collaborative study
Hoskin, G.P.
Journal - Association of Official Analytical Chemists 70(3): 499-501
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-5756 PMID: 3112115 Document Number: 295853
Mammalian feces contain coprostanol (5.beta.-cholestan-3.beta.-ol). In this study, 7 collaborators each tested 45 unknown specimens by a thin layer chromatographic method that uses coprostanol as an indicator of feces. The materials tested were 5 replicates each of 3 test portion sizes (0.5, 1.0, and 5.0 mg) of cockroach excreta (negative), and cow and rat feces (both positive). Of 315 specimens tested, 261 (82.9%) were correctly identified; there were 5 false positives, 26 false negatives, and from 1 collaborator, 23 inconclusive results.