1. Fecal Parasite Screen
Amanda Hackerott, RVT

2. Fecal Testing
• One of the most common diagnostic tests performed in veterinary
medicine.
• Often performed in house, by veterinary technician
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3. Varieties of Tests
• Gross examination: consistency, color, blood, mucus, parasites
• Microscopic examination
• Direct Smear
• Concentration techniques
• Fecal Flotation
• Centrifugal Flotation
• Fecal Sedimentation
• Baermann Technique
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4. Concentration Techniques
• Most rely on flotation of the parasite eggs, oocysts and other life
cycle stages
• Concentration allows for a big sample to be examined in short period
of time
• Flotation methods rely on specific gravity of the parasite material/
fecal debris.
• Most eggs have SG of 1.100-1.200g/ml
• Water SG 1.000
http://www.medical-labs.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Zinc-Sulfate-
Fecal-Solution-flotation-method.jpg

5. Flotation
• The solution that we use to concentrate our fecal sample must have a
higher/ heavier SG than the common parasites
• Most standard float solutions used are 1.200-1.250 g/ml
• This allows the eggs to rise to the top of the solution
• There they can be captured and examined under the microscope
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ts/images/014008-1G-1-LG.jpg
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amazon.com/images/I/41ELEOQZNyL._SY300_.jpg
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content/uploads/bfi_thumb/ovumflo-
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6. So How Do We Do It?
• The most efficient of tests is the Centrifugal Flotation.
• Requires less time than standard float and more successful at forcing
eggs to the top of the test tubes.
• Must have centrifuge in the lab.
• Suitable for use with any of the solutions available commercially.
• Basic Supplies:
• Gloves
• Sample
• Fecal Solution and centrifuge

7. Performing the Float
1. Make ‘poop soup’ from sample and solution
2. Strain if desired, place liquid into test tube
3. Fill balance, place tubes into centrifuge
4. Spin sample for 5 minutes and remove
5. Fill remainder of tube to the top
6. Place coverslip and let sit 10 minutes
7. Remove slip and read under the microscope
http://todaysveterinarypractice.navc.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Screen-Shot-2015-06-16-at-
4.41.13-PM.png
www.idexx.de

8. What Are We Looking For?
www.nwvetstandwood.com
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9. http://www.petawawaanimalhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/dog-poop.png
Questions??