The merthiolate iodine formaldehyde concentration technique for the detection of parasitic material in faecal samples

Abstract

The results of the examination of 543 faecal specimens by the Merthiolate Iodine Formaldehyde Concentration (M.I.F.C.) technique, Willis's salt flotation method and by direct saline smear are given.The appearances of helminth ova and protozoan parasites in M.I.F.C. preparation are described.The M.I.F.C. method showed a much greater efficiency for the detection of helminth ova over the other two methods. It did not prove as satisfactory for the detection of protozoan parasites. Effective concentration of trophozoite forms was not observed. The possible reasons for this are discussed.It is proposed to adopt this method in combination with the direct saline smear for routine use in this laboratory.