Table 1. Costing analysis for 5 methods to detect STH.
| Method | Kato Katz1 | FLOTAC1 | Simple Dx4STH | Spin Dx4STH | Multi-parallel qPCR | Multi-plex qPCR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replicate | 2 slides | 1 (dual technique) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Extraction | MAL-MB2 | spin column3 | spin column3 | spin column3 | ||
| Amplification | isothermal | isothermal | cycler | cycler | ||
| Detection Channels | 2 | 2 | 1 | 5 | ||
| # of amplification machines | 4 | 4 | 2 | 1 | ||
| # of staff assuming optimal workflow | 4–6 | 4–6 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Time to analyze samples (hrs) | 4.8 | 6.0 | 7.1 | 5.8 | ||
| Cost ($USD) per Patient | ||||||
| Instruments | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.29 | $0.30 | $0.69 | $0.09 |
| Consumables (extraction) | $0.04 | $0.48 | $3.68 | $5.10 | $5.10 | $5.10 |
| Consumables (amplification) | $4.37 | $4.37 | $6.12 | $1.99 | ||
| Sensitivity | 50% | 50% | 90% | 90% | 95% | 95% |
| Specificity | 95% | 95% | 95% | 95% | 99% | 99% |
| Accuracy | 73% | 73% | 93% | 93% | 97% | 97% |
| Total Cost per Patient | $0.04 | $0.48 | $8.33 | $9.76 | $11.91 | $7.19 |
| Total Consumable Cost per Patient | $0.04 | $0.48 | $8.05 | $9.46 | $11.22 | $7.09 |
| Total Cost per Accurate Diagnosis | $0.06 | $0.66 | $9.01 | $10.55 | $12.28 | $7.41 |
1 Source: Speich, et. al. 2010 [24]
2 DNA extraction using a modified alkaline lysis-magnetic bead (MAL-MB).
3 DNA extraction using spin column (i.e., QIAamp PowerFecal DNA kit).