Testing for Internal Parasites

When examining fecal samples remember...

• The sample must be fresh.
  
• If it cannot be examined within a few hours, refrigerate the sample.
  
• Do not freeze fecal sample.
  
• When checking for Giardia or tapeworm eggs, do not use saturated sodium chloride, sodium nitrate or magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) as a medium.
  
• A 33% zinc sulfate solution and a concentrated sugar solution will cause less distortion of Giardia cysts than saline salt solutions.
  
• Use 10x magnification for scanning slider, 40x magnification for smaller organisms such as Giardia.