Table 3 Comparison of the parasite detection performance of three methods: direct wet smear, formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT), and FA280 feces analyzer (user audit)
Parameter compared | Direct wet smear [29] | FECT | FA280 with user audit |
|---|---|---|---|
Weight of stool used | 0.2 g | 2 g | 0.5–1 g |
Technique | Manual | Manual | Automatic |
Process simplicity | Less complicated | More complicated | Less complicated |
Processing time | 2 min/sample | 8–10 min/sample | 2 min/sample |
Parasite observing time | 5–10 min | 5–10 min | 3–5 min |
Parasites observation tool | Microscope | Microscope | High-resolution images |
Experienced laboratory technician | Required | Required | Required |
Result recorded and stored | No | No | Yes |
Cost/test | USD 0.25 | USD 0.50 | USD 2.00 |