| Summary: | Preservation and conservation of biological specimens, including faecal samples, is a challenge in remote areas or poor-resource settings where the cold chain cannot be maintained. This study aims at evaluating the suitability of filter cards for long-term storage of faecal samples of animal and human origin positive to the diarrhoea-causing protozoan parasites, <i>Giardia duodenalis</i> and <i>Cryptosporidium hominis</i>. Three commercially available Whatman<sup>®</sup> Filter Cards were comparatively assessed: the FTA<sup>®</sup> Classic Card, the FTA<sup>®</sup> Elute Micro Card, and the 903 Protein Saver Card. Human faecal samples positive to <i>G. duodenalis</i> (<i>n</i> = 5) and <i>C. hominis</i> (<i>n</i> = 5) were used to impregnate the selected cards at given storage (1 month, 3 months, and 6 months) periods and temperature (−20 °C, 4 °C, and room temperature) conditions. Parasite DNA was detected by PCR-based methods. Sensitivity assays and quality control procedures to assess suitability for genotyping purposes were conducted. Overall, all three Whatman<sup>®</sup> cards were proven useful for the detection and molecular characterisation of <i>G. duodenalis</i> and <i>C. hominis</i> under the evaluated conditions. Whatman<sup>®</sup> cards represent a simple, safe, and cost-effective option for the transportation, preservation, and storage of faecal samples without the need of the cold chain.
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