PARASITOLOGY EXAMINATION OF FEACES

Microscopic examination of stool for the presence of parasite

The examination of feaces for parasitological diagnosis is done to detect

•  Adult worm

•  Segments of tapeworm

• Ova and cysts 

•  Larvae

• Trophozoites

Cellular exudates such as white blood cells, red blood cells , macrophages and  charcot leyden (CL) crystals for these, the samples should be properly collected and preserved.

COLLECTION OF FAECAL SAMPLE

Ask the patient to pass the stool directly into a cardboard fitting.

About 20 – 40grams of well formed stool or 5 – 6 table spoons full of watery stool will suffice for a routine examination.

NOTE

 Injections of some medicine prior to collection of faecial sample my interfere with the detection of parasite. These includes tetracycline, sulfonamides, lexatives. Antacids, castor oil, magnesium hydroxide and anti- protozoa agent.

These should not be taken 1-2weeks before examination of faecial sample , the sample must be well labeled and must arrive the laboratory within 30minutes, this because amoebic trophozoids, dies and become unrecognizable  within that time.

Multiple stool examination is required before presence of parasite is ruled out.