Evaluation of immunomagnetic separation method for detection of Giardia for different reaction times and reaction volumes

Immunomagnetic separation (IMS) has been specified as a standard method for the measurement of Giardia. In this study, Dynal IMS was evaluated on the basis of recovery efficiencies of Giardia cysts for various IMS operational conditions. The average recoveries for Giardia in deionized, treated and r aw water samples were 82.6 +/- 12.2% (n = 6), 75.6 +/- 15.2% (n=3), and 70. 6 +/- 18.2% (n = 3), respectively. Significant changes in recovery were obs erved by altering the debris ratio and the debris components of water sampl es. Changing the reaction volume within the same vessel had no significant effect on cyst recovery efficiencies. However, prolonging the reaction time did increase recovery efficiencies.