Ethyl acetate as a substitute for diethyl ether in the formalin-ether sedimentation technique

Abstract

Ethyl acetate appears to be a satisfactory substitute solvent for diethyl ether in the Formalin-ether sedimentation technique [used to concentrate parasite eggs, larvae or cysts in fecal specimens]. In comparative studies, concentration of organisms with ethyl acetate was equal to or greater than that with diethyl ether. No distortion or alteration of morphology was observed with either solvent and preparations were comparable in appearance and ease of examination. Ethyl acetate is less hazardous to use than diethyl ether.