Roberta B. CareyThis manual describes in detail the procedures required to process and interpret specimens for intestinal parasites. The purpose is to provide practical techniques, in a step-by-step format, for the microscopic detection of protozoa and helminths. All of the basic methods are discussed, from how to properly use the microscope to preparing and reading the slides. The target audience is the practicing laboratorian in parasitology and the microbiology educator and student, who need precise guidelines on the processing of clinical samples. This book complements other infectious disease-oriented texts, which emphasize epidemiology and therapeutic management of patients with parasitic diseases. More than a third of the book's pages are devoted to illustrations and photomicrographs of parasites, although none of the photographs appear in color, which would be desirable when comparing structures in trichrome-stained slides. The comparative charts and keys for identification simplify many criteria into an easy format for quick organism identification. The glossary is very complete and a helpful tool at any time. The strength of this book is its attention to the fine points of specimen collection and processing, which are essential to making the correct diagnosis of a parasitic infection. A valuable text for the parasitology student, this book is also a worthwhile reference for the laboratory director and physician who have questions on the diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections. Doody Review ServicesReviewer: Roberta B. Carey, PhD (Loyola University Medical Center)Description: This manual describes in detail the procedures required to process and interpret specimens for intestinal parasites. Purpose: The purpose is to provide practical techniques, in a step-by-step format, for the microscopic detection of protozoa and helminths. All of the basic methods are discussed, from how to properly use the microscope to preparing and reading the slides. Audience: The target audience is the practicing laboratorian in parasitology and the microbiology educator and student, who need precise guidelines on the processing of clinical samples. This book complements other infectious disease-oriented texts, which emphasize epidemiology and therapeutic management of patients with parasitic diseases. Features: More than a third of the book's pages are devoted to illustrations and photomicrographs of parasites, although none of the photographs appear in color, which would be desirable when comparing structures in trichrome-stained slides. The comparative charts and keys for identification simplify many criteria into an easy format for quick organism identification. The glossary is very complete and a helpful tool at any time. Assessment: The strength of this book is its attention to the fine points of specimen collection and processing, which are essential to making the correct diagnosis of a parasitic infection. A valuable text for the parasitology student, this book is also a worthwhile reference for the laboratory director and physician who have questions on the diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections.