Parasitological stool sample exam by spontaneous sedimentation method using conical tubes: effectiveness, practice, and biosafety

introduction: spontaneous sedimentation is an important procedure for stool examination. a modification of this technique using conical tubes was performed and evaluated. methods: fifty fecal samples were processed in sedimentation glass and in polypropylene conical tubes. another 50 samples were used for quantitative evaluation of protozoan cysts. results: although no significant differences occurred in the frequency of protozoa and helminths detected, significant differences in protozoan cyst counts did occur. conclusions: the use of tube predicts a shorter path in the sedimentation of the sample, increases concentration of parasites for microscopy analysis, minimizes the risks of contamination, reduces the odor, and optimizes the workspace.