H Aziz1, C E Beck, M F Lux, M J Hudson. 1. Department of Medical Technology, Armstrong Atlantic State University, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31419-1997, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare results obtained using a single fecal specimen for O&P examination, direct immunofluorescent assay (DFA), and three immunodiagnostic techniques. DESIGN: Sixty-eight human fecal specimens were collected and examined by each method. The O&P and the DFA were used as the reference method. SETTING: The study was performed at the research laboratory in the Medical Technology Department at The University of Southern Mississippi. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: The fecal specimens were collected from individuals with a suspected Giardia lamblia infection. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The amount of agreement and disagreement between methods. 1. The sensitivity and specificity of each method. 2. The working time and cost per specimen for each method. RESULTS: There was complete agreement among methods on 52 specimens (21 positive, 31 negative). Eight specimens were positive by all immunologic methods, but negative by O&P. The remaining eight specimens (12%) demonstrated discrepancies among methods. Sensitivity and specificity of each assay ranged from 91% to 100% and 89% to 100%, respectively. The cost per specimen ranged from $11.62 for the DFA method to $32.54 for the O&P method. The average cost per specimen for ELISA and EIA averaged $26.86. CONCLUSION: The study supported findings of other investigators who concluded that immunologic methods have the greater sensitivity. The immunologic methods were more efficient, quicker, and economical than the conventional O&P method.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare results obtained using a single fecal specimen for O&P examination, direct immunofluorescent assay (DFA), and three immunodiagnostic techniques. DESIGN: Sixty-eight human fecal specimens were collected and examined by each method. The O&P and the DFA were used as the reference method. SETTING: The study was performed at the research laboratory in the Medical Technology Department at The University of Southern Mississippi. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: The fecal specimens were collected from individuals with a suspected Giardia lamblia infection. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The amount of agreement and disagreement between methods. 1. The sensitivity and specificity of each method. 2. The working time and cost per specimen for each method. RESULTS: There was complete agreement among methods on 52 specimens (21 positive, 31 negative). Eight specimens were positive by all immunologic methods, but negative by O&P. The remaining eight specimens (12%) demonstrated discrepancies among methods. Sensitivity and specificity of each assay ranged from 91% to 100% and 89% to 100%, respectively. The cost per specimen ranged from $11.62 for the DFA method to $32.54 for the O&P method. The average cost per specimen for ELISA and EIA averaged $26.86. CONCLUSION: The study supported findings of other investigators who concluded that immunologic methods have the greater sensitivity. The immunologic methods were more efficient, quicker, and economical than the conventional O&P method.