DIRECT WET MOUNT

Direct wet mounts are primarily used in formalinized stool samples. It is the
least useful technique in all of the other fecal examination techniques. It Should be
used only on liquid feces to look for protozoal trophozoites. It is also used as an
adjunct to one of the fecal flotation techniques and also a useful adjunct test when
combined with a staining technique. The problem in using direct wet mount is that it
examines only a small amount of feces and takes a very long time to examine the
sample properly.

To perform direct wet mount first place a small amount of feces on a

microscope slide. Then add a drop of liquid to the feces and mix thoroughly. The
type of liquid added depends on what type of parasite is intended to examine. If
examining a liquid fecal sample for the presence of protozoan saline is used. For
helmints eggs and protozoan cyst either water or iodine is used. After it, cover it with
a cover slip. Move the cover slip around until it is flat. With this it should be able to
be examined under the microscope.

It is important in studying parasitology because even though it is essentially non-

diagnostic for most intestinal parasites it is still usefull in the diagnosis of protozoal
parasites that have motile trophozoite stage.

REFFERENCES:

Garcia, L. S. (ed.). 1978. Recommended procedures for the examination of clinical

specimens submitted for the diagnosis of parasitic infections. A statement prepared
by the Parasitology Subcommittee/Microbiology Section of Scientific Assembly,
American Society for Medical Technology. Am. J. Med. Technol. 44:1101-1106.

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