Stool collectible kits for parasites historically contained three tubes – 10% formalin. PVA (Poly·vinyl Alcohol), and a clean tube. With these three tubes, a variety of tests can be performed: Ova and parasite exams (O&P). specialty stains, antigen detection and molecular assays. Due to environmental and health hazards related to formalin and mercuric PVA, formalin-free fixatives have been developed that allow parasite detection to be performed from a single vial. We compared our current method of 10% formalin PVA collection to the use of a single vial mini Parasep SF tube with either Akotfix or SafEFix (Apacor, Berkshire, UK) for O&P antigen and molecular testing.
ARUP ASM 2015
