Comparison of clinical results for the use of ethyl acetate and diethyl ether in the formalin-ether sedimentation technique performed on polyvinyl alcohol-preserved specimens

One hundred fecal specimens preserved in polyvinyl alcohol fixative were examined by the Formalin-ether sedimentation technique with ethyl acetate substituted for diethyl ether. Technical performance of the procedures, appearance and amount of sediment obtained, and organism morphology were comparable. Also, ethyl acetate is less flammable and, therefore, less dangerous to use than diethyl ether. Results of parasite recovery when diethyl ether or ethyl acetate was used revealed few clinical relevant differences, most of which could also have been attributed to other variables inherent in this type of diagnostic testing.

Synchronous modulation in scanning Auger electron microscopy

The modulation frequency on the cylindrical mirror analyzer of a scanning Auger microscope has been synchronized to the digital scanning system. This technique allows one to obtain an Auger image free from moire patterns which arise from the beat between scanning and modulation frequencies, and permits operation at frequency settings which optimize use of the electronics in the detection system.