Faecal Formol Detergent Schisto Kit
FDK.010

12 sedimentation containers with measuring spoons 5 strainers 5 polypropylene beakers 1 Wash bottle, 500ml, to dispense formal detergent reagent 100 large cover glasses, size 22 x 40 mm (reusable) 10 plastic bulb pipettes Rack to hold sedimentation containers: All items in the kit (except labels) are reusable. Reagent required but not provided: 2% v/v detergent in 2% v/v formalin

To make 500ml:
Formaldehyde concentrated solution 10ml
Detergent solution* 10ml
Clean water 480ml

(* This can be Lipsol, Fairy Liquid, Decon, Teepol or other washing-up detergent.)

- Measure the water and transfer to the wash bottle provided.

- Using one of the sedimentation containers (labelled to show 10ml volume), measure the detergent solution and add to the water. Using the same container, measure the formaldehyde solution and add to the water. Mix well.

- Label the wash bottle and store at room temperature. The reagent is stable indefinitely.overleaf for instructions.

Technique for schistosome eggs (quantitative).

1. Label carefully each sedimentation container in the same way as shown on the pre-labelled container supplied.
2. Using the wash bottle, fill each container to the 10ml mark with reagent..
3. Using the spoon attached to the lid of the container, transfer a level spoonful of faeces (approx. 335 mg) to the container. Screw back the lid and shake hard to break up the faeces in the reagent..
4. Using one of the strainers supplied, sieve the faecal suspension into one of the beakers provided.
5. Pour the sieved suspension from the beaker back into the sedimentation container.
6. Stand the container upright in the rack provided and leave for 1 hour (do not centrifuge) Note: Under field conditions, the emulsified faeces can be transported back to the laboratory for examination. The schistosome eggs are fixed and will not overclear or become distorted.
7. After 1 hour, carefully remove and discard the supernatant fluid, taking care not to disturb the sediment which has formed in the base of the container.
8. Add 10ml of reagent, mix well and allow to sediment for a further 1 hour. Further clearing of faecal debris will take place.
9. Remove and discard the supernatant fluid, leaving approximately 0.5ml of fine sediment.
10. Using one of the plastic bulb pipettes supplied, transfer the entire sediment to a slide and cover with one of the 22 x 40 mm cover glasses provided.
11. Examine microscopically the entire preparation using the 10x objective with the condenser iris closed sufficiently to give good contrast.
12. Count the eggs and multiply the number counted by 3 to give the approximate number of eggs per gram of faeces.

This technique is a suitable alternative concentration technique to the formol ether concentration technique for laboratories without mains electricity to operate a centrifuge..

1. Follow the technique as described above for schistosome eggs as far as and including step 6..
2. After 1 hour, instead of removing the supernatant fluid, add a further 10ml of reagent, mix well, and leave to sediment overnight..
3. Continue the technique as described in steps 9-12 of the above technique for schistosome eggs. If required each type of egg can be counted in the preparation as described in step 12. Identify and report parasitic cysts as many, moderate numbers or few.

Note: Further information regarding the identification of parasitic cysts, eggs, and larvae in faeces can be found in Chapter 13 and Chapter 14 in the second edition (1987) Volume 1 Medical Laboratory Manual for Tropical Countries.Õ

Cheesbrough, M. Medical Laboratory Manual for Tropical Countries. Volume 1. Tropical Health Technology / Butterworth, 2nd edition, 1987. Available to developing countries at low price (£5.95 plus £2.60 packaging and postage) from Tropical Health Technology, 14 Bevills Close, Doddington, March, Cambridgeshire PE15 0TT, UK..

Moody, A. An introduction to selected diagnostic methods for parasites, available as kits for smaller health units. 17th Congress IAMLT, Laboratory in Health Care - Developing Country Proceedings, 1986. Available from Tropical Health Technology (see address above).

A wall chart showing parasitic eggs and larvae that can be found in faeces is available from Tropical Health Technology. It is in full colour, measures 780 x 520 mm, is plastic coated both sides for protection and durability, and is supplied in a plastic sleeve.: £1.50 plus £0.75 insured surface mail or £1.80 airmail. Send remittance with order to Tropical Health Technology, 14 Bevills Close, Doddington, March, Cambridgeshire PE15 0TT,UK.

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