Traditional diagnosis of protozoan parasites was accomplished by microscopic identification of organisms found in stool samples. This is still a common diagnosis and will be covered in this course; however, other diagnostic techniques depend on which species you are looking for.
Here is a list of some parasitic diagnostic techniques. Note that not all methods are used for all intestinal protozoa.
1. Microscopic Identification
a. Direct examination of stool (stained or unstained)
b. Placing the stool sample in a preservative or "fixative" and then examining it directly or staining and examining it.
c. Concentration techniques. Although more widely used to recover helminth parasites, protozoan cysts may also be recovered this way.
2. Entero-Test
3. Molecular Methods
4. Antigen or Antibody Detection
The following pages will elaborate on some of these methods.
