title: Parasitological stool sample exam by spontaneous sedimentation method using conical tubes: effectiveness, practice, and biosafety.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Spontaneous sedimentation is an important procedure for stool examination. A modification of this technique using conical tubes was performed and evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty fecal samples were processed in sedimentation glass and in polypropylene conical tubes. Another 50 samples were used for quantitative evaluation of protozoan cysts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although no significant differences occurred in the frequency of protozoa and helminths detected, significant differences in protozoan cyst counts did occur.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of tube predicts a shorter path in the sedimentation of the sample, increases concentration of parasites for microscopy analysis, minimizes the risks of contamination, reduces the odor, and optimizes the workspace.
authors: Núcleo de Doenças Infecciosas, Universidade Federal de Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brasil.
authors: Steveen Rios
authors: SR
authors: Ribeiro
authors: Cinthia
authors: C
authors: Furst
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology*; D006373:Helminthiasis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000469:parasitology; D006801:Humans; D010270:Parasite Egg Count / Q000379:methods; D010274:Parasitology / Q000379:methods*; D011528:Protozoan Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000469:parasitology; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*