INTRODUCTION The FPCHybrid™ Fecal Parasite Concentrator, like the original FPCand FPCJUMBO , is a simple, clean, and efficient device used to concentrate helminth eggs & larvae and protozoan cysts. It is also used to recover coccidian oocysts such as Cryptosporidium parvum, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Isospora belli, and microsporidian spores. The FPCHybrid™ combines the time tested features of the original FPCand couples that to a new 20 ml size, wide mouth fecal collection tube, a new generation of fecal transport kits also known as FTK™ II. We have selected FTK™ II to be included in the FPCHybrid™ system because of its user friendly features that will benefit both the patient and the laboratorian. Together with the FTK™ II, the FPCHybrid™ provides a practical, versatile system to collect, preserve, transport, and process fecal specimens for ova and parasites.

The methodology is a modification of the commonly accepted Ritchie formalin-ether (F-E) method. However, the FPC™ method uses a closed two-tube system. The brochure illustrates the recommended procedure with FPCHybrid™ in 16 easy-to-follow steps.

SPECIFICATIONS

FPCreplaces funnel-gauze filtration with two polypropylene tubes and an interconnected plastic strainer unit. The strainer has a threaded cap portion connecting it to the 15 ml tube and a flanged portion which attaches directly to the 20 ml fecal transport tubes used in the FTK™ II.

Ova and parasites pass through a matrix of ultra-precision 0.6 x 0.6 mm holes while excess fecal debris is retained.

FPCHybrid™ attaches directly to patients' sample vials and requires no intermediate preparation prior to concentration. Thus, FPCHybrid™ reduces handling and the chance for contamination. By keeping the specimen completely contained, FPCHybrid™ minimized lab personnel's exposure to fecal specimens.

One case of FPCHybrid™ provides materials for 25 tests. Included are 15 ml centrifuge tubes, centrifuge tube caps, strainer units, dispensing spoons, 20% Triton X-100, trays, applicator sticks, biohazard bags, and an instruction booklet.

FPCHybrid™ is available either with 10% formalin, zinc sulphate PVA or SAF.