Ultra-low-cost urine filtration for Schistosoma haematobium diagnosis: a proof-of-concept study.

Simple, efficient, and cost-effective strategies are needed for urine sample preparation in the field diagnosis of infection with Schistosoma haematobium. In this proof-of-concept study, we evaluated inexpensive and widely available paper products (paper towels, school workbook paper, and newspaper) to gravity-filter urine containing 60 eggs/mL of Schistosoma haematobium. Eggs were reliably visualized by light microscopy by using single-ply paper towels as urine filters. This filtration method has broad applicability in clinical and public health settings in resource-constrained environments. © The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.