In
the most recent parasitology NEQAS survey was a thick film for examination. I
didn’t see any parasites in it; nor did any of my colleagues.
It
turned out we were all wrong; there were actually trypanosomes in that film. I
reviewed the film with a colleague and knowing that there were trypanosomes
present they were eventually identified.
However
on reflection they weren’t obvious. I can’t help but feel that thick films are
a rather artificial preparation. A Google search found recommendation of
reviewing buffy coat preparations rather than thick films. If nothing else they
are more familiar in appearance.
The
next time we get a low parasitaemia I shall make and stain a buffy coat
preparation and see…
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