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226 Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant

to the top of a test tube which is captured on a coverslip
and then transferred to a microscope slide. There are two
standard techniques: a float or a centrifuge preparation.

Fecal Float Technique

Equipment required: 10–12 mL test tube, test tube rack,
microscope slide, coverslip, two paper cups, strainer, two
applicator sticks, and fecal solution.
Preparation:
1. Using the applicator sticks, place a “quarter” sized
piece of feces into one of the paper cups and add
approximately 20–30 mL of fecal solution. You can use
the test tube to measure out the fecal solution. Place
the test tube into the test tube rack for future use.
2. Mix the feces and fecal solution thoroughly with the
sticks. Place the strainer over the second cup and
pour the fecal mixture through the strainer. Set the
strainer and first cup into the sink.
3. Pour the strained fecal mixture into the test tube
until a meniscus forms. Don’t overfill as this may
wash the parasite eggs out of the sample.
4. Carefully place a coverslip on top of the test tube and
set a timer for 10–15 minutes. Alert the technician
that the time is set.

Centrifuge Technique
The same equipment is required as for the flotation
method.
FIGURE 12.8 Fecal loop.
Procedure:
1. Using the applicator sticks, place a “quarter” sized
loop, and a microscope slide with a drop of saline or a piece of feces into one of the paper cups and add
fecal collection container to take care of the sample after approximately 20–30 mL of fecal solution. You can use
collection. The patient is usually kept standing with one the test tube to measure out the fecal solution. Place
arm around the neck and the other hand to hold the tail the test tube into the test tube rack for future use.
up at the base. Once the sample is collected and labeled 2. Mix the feces and fecal solution thoroughly with the
properly, alert the technician that a sample is waiting. If sticks. Place the strainer over the second cup and
he/she is not available, place the sample in the lab refrig- pour the fecal mixture through the strainer. Set the
erator for future examination. Eggs will not hatch as strainer and first cup into the sink.
quickly if the sample is refrigerated. 3. Pour the fecal solution into the test tube up to the
Clients are often asked to bring a fecal sample to the
clinic at the time of their appointment or to drop one off 10 mL mark on the side of the tube. Take the tube
to the centrifuge and place it into one of the tubes
for analysis. Instruct the client to watch the animal defe- inside. Then balance the centrifuge by adding a test
cate to be certain it has come from their animal and it is tube filled with water up to 10 mL opposite the fecal
fresh. Have them place the feces into a clean, air‐tight, sample. Set the centrifuge at the proper settings and
leak‐proof container and keep it cool. If the sample is time and push start.
collected the night before the appointment it must be 4. Alert the technician that a fecal sample is spinning
placed in a refrigerator or in an ice chest otherwise the in the centrifuge.
eggs hatch and the larva will die. When delivered to the
clinic make sure it has the correct client and patient Each clinic will have their preferred technique for
information on the label. Alert the technician that a fecal set‐up that may differ from the examples given.
sample has been delivered. Find the protocol manual or have the technician show
To find parasite eggs, the sample is prepared with a you how to set up a fecal sample. This will be of great
concentrated salt or sugar solution. This will float the eggs help to the team if the technicians are busy with clients.