TABLE 1.
Techniques used by light microscopy laboratoriesa
| Laboratory | Stool sample fixative | MT staining temp (°C) | MT staining time (min) | Avg no. of slides/sample | Avg microscopy time before negative result declared (min) | Control used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1 | Formalin | 37 | 30 | 1 | 10 | Reference slides |
| M2 | Formalin | RT | 90 | 2 | 10 | Reference slides |
| M3 | Formalin | RT | 90 | 2 | 10 | Not specified |
| M4 | Formalin | RT | 90 | 5 | 20 | Reference slides |
| M5 | MIF | RT | 90 | 1 | 15 | Reference slides |
| M6 | None | RT | 90 | 2 | 10 | Reference slides |
a
MT, modified trichrome (22); RT, room temperature; MIF, merthiolate-iodine-formalin fixation.