|
FPC® is a simple, clean, efficient device used to concentrate
helminth eggs & larvae and protozoan cysts, and to recover
coccidian oocysts such as Cryptosporidium parvum and
Isospora belli.
An independent study comparing four fecal concentrators found
that Evergreen Scientific's patented FPC® was "easiest
to use," produced slides rated "easiest to examine,"
and had the shortest processing time (14). Moreover, of all
the devices in the study, FPC® offered by far the lowest cost.
Invented by Willadene S. Zierdt at the National Institutes
for Health, FPC® is manufactured by Evergreen Scientific under
an exclusive licensing agreement with the National Technical
Information Service of the United States Government covering
U.S. patent #4,081,356.
When used in conjuction with the 15 ml sizes of Evergreen's
FTK, Fecal Transport Kits, FPC® provides an integrated system
to collect, preserve, transport, and process fecal specimens
for ova and parasite procedures.
The methodology is a modification of the commonly accepted
Ritchie formalin-ether (F-E) method. However the FPC® method
uses a closed system. The brochure illustrates the recommended
procedure in 16 easy-to-follow steps.
FPC® replaces funnel-gauze filtration with two 15 ml polyporpylene
tubes interconnected with a precision molded plastic strainer
device. Ova and parasites pass through the 0.6 x 0.6 mm holes
while excess fecal debris is retained.
FPC® concentrates aliquots of fresh stool or specimens preserved
in 5% or 10% formalin, merthiolate iodine formalin (MIF),
polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or sodium acetate formalin (SAF).
The FPC strainer also attaches directly to the 15 ml sample
vials included with FTK kits to eliminate intermediate preparation
prior to concetration and to minimize handling and chance
for contamination. By keeping the sample completely contained,
FPC minimizes lab personnel's exposure and virtually eliminates
the odor associated with fecal specimens.
One case provides materials for 100 tests. Included are preassembled
centrifuge tube-strainer units, centrifuge tube capse, dispensing
spoons, 20% Triton X-100, trays, applicator sticks, biohazard
bags, and instructions.
|
INTRODUCTION
