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