important, particularly when related to the clinical relevance of any diagnostic procedure within the context of quality patient care. Therapeutic intervention often depends on the results obtained from these procedures, so the clinician must be aware of the limitations of each test method and the results obtained.

The field of medical parasitology has taken on additional relevance and importance for several reasons. Improved means of travel has made the world a smaller place, with any number of "exotic" pathogens just a plane ride away! An individual's chances of exposure to parasites not endemic to his or her homeland and the possibility of acquiring or transmitting certain infections have been increasing. This situation emphasizes the need for obtaining a correct and complete history from the patient. It is also important to recognize the parasites commonly found within certain areas of the world and the makeup of the patient population being seen in any particular health facility.