RVC/FAO guide to Veterinary Parasitology
Faecal smear: Procedure step 1
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Smear a small quantity of faeces on a clean microscope slide.

Mix with a few drops of water or physiological saline.

Place a coverslip over the smear.

The faecal material should not be left in a lump in the centre of the coverslip but evenly spread so that the microscope illumination can shine through.

 

Wrong!
slide with faecal material in lump

 

Right
slide with faecal material evenly spread

Health and Safety

Faeces may contain hazardous pathogens (bacteria, viruses etc). Appropriate hygiene and safety procedures should be employed. Local health and safety regulations should be observed.

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