Describes the most elementary and basic methods of stool sample analysis

1. Title: Stool wet mount preparation
Name: Negash Alamin
Profession: Clinical Laboratory scientist
E-mail: drnegash@gmail.com
Date: 13/11/17

2. Principle: Stool wet mount preparation is the simplest and basic method
of analyzing a stool specimen in coprology. It utilizes a saline solution as
an isotonic media to maintain the cellular structure of the various
pathogens that are found in stool and that we like to examine. The
physiological saline solution can be bought ready-made or be prepared by
the technician in the laboratory by mixing 8.5g of sodium chloride with
1000 ml of distilled water. Then we will have a product of 8.5g/L w/v
solution.
Materials:
1- Gloves as PPE
2- Slide with a frosted end for labeling.
3- Applicator sticks for sampling stool.
4- Stool sample.
5- Pipette for saline withdrawal.
6- A cover slip
7- Compound microscope
Procedure:
1- Apply two drop of saline in proportion with the amount of stool
sample you like to examine.
2- Drop a small amount of stool on the saline on the slide and mix
with applicator stick.
3- The preparation must allow us to distinguish the morphology of all
pathogens while we examine it; thus, it should be well prepared.
4- Switch on the microscope and place the slide on the stage.
5- Using 10 xs, closing the condenser, and orienting the stage in
appropriate distance from the objectives― start searching for field.

3. 6- Once you come across a blurred field you carefully orient and
clarify your field using the fine adjustment rather than the coarse
adjustment.
7- Once the field is clear you start the diagnosis procedure by looking
for Ova and larvae and report accordingly.
Clinical significance: Stool wet mount is the most basic and elementary
diagnostic techniques; especially invaluable for community laboratories
who are not staffed with advanced equipment which would allow
Molecluar testing of various mutant parasites. It is the most routine test
fully based on identifying the morphology, color and other physical
characteristics of parasites to designate a specific pathogen.
Errors in this diagnostics procedure:
1-Inapprporiate preparation of the smear may hide parasites when we
examine them later.
2- Inappropriate adjustment of the microscope in relation to the objective
that we utilize.
3- Insouciance in dealing with potentially deadly and infectious patient
sample. We need to be extremely vigilant while dealing with any sample!
4- Inappropriate disposal of slide and coverslip in the appropriate place
after examination.
5- Indifference towards our expensive equipment like the microscope
while handling it. The microscope must be handled with care, cleaned and
unplugged after use.