Heat can be used instead of acid to inhibit reformation of the bead (oo)cyst complexes after dissociation by vortexing. This could potentially improve recoveries from some source water matrices where acid may drive an unfavorable reaction. Samples are processed through the method up to the acid dissociation step. Dissociation is performed in an 80° C heat block rather than with acid.
See the IMS Supplement for the protocol and required quality control.