Comparison of different methods for the detection of intestinal protozoa and helminths in stool

A total of 1428 stool specimens were examined to evaluate the usefulness of different methods of detecting intestinal protozoa and helminths. The following methods were compared: a combination of routine laboratory methods (Normal saline, Lugol's solution and Iron-haematoxylin), the MIF technique (Mertheolate-iodine-formaldehyde) and the MF-Heidenhain method for protozoa. The Telemann method and MF-Telemann method for worm eggs. The MIFC technique for both protozoa and worm eggs. According to the criteria: diagnostic yield, accuracy, simplicity, time consumption and cost, it is concluded that the MIFC method is superior to the other methods used in this study.