STOOL ANALYSIS

PRINCIPLE
Stool analysis is a qualitative method used for investigation of parasite infection
finding contents of the stool specimen WBC, RBC, ova, cyst, and vegetative of the
parasite.
The stool analysis it's a way to find out the parasite infection in the intestine by
doing physical and microscopic examination.
SPECIMEN
Use fresh stool sample
Stool sample should not be contaminated with urine or water
It should not be kept warm
If immediate examination is not possible, keep in refrigerator for a limited period
of time
METHOD
Arrange all stool samples due to the serial No.
For every stool sample, use one slide
Place one drop of saline solution on one end of the slide and one drop of iodine
solution on the other.
Emulsify few amount of fecal material with an applicator stick first in the saline
solution and then in the iodine solution
Choose mucoid, hemorrhagic particles if looking for amoeba and schistosoma eggs
Cover each emulsion with cover glass
The emulsion should be just thin enough to allow reading
First exam the emulsion with normal saline using objective lens 10 to get wide area
of the field, examining at the edge of the cover slide for several times, looking for
the trophozoite of the parasite. After that use the objective lens 40, and search
several times
Secondly exam the emulsion with iodine looking for the cyst, ova of the parasite,
WBC, and RBC.
QUALITY CONTROL
Sample should be fresh, kept in container closed tightly Sample should be kept
cool, refrigerated if not examined immediately.
The sample should be labeled with patient name, lab No., test name.
Adequately trained person with knowledge and experience in the investigation of
parasite is essential
BIOLOGICAL REFERENCE INTERVALS
Seeing and recording the finding in the stool: WBC, RBC, cyst, and ova of the
parasite.
No ova or parasite should be seen.
SAMPLE STORAGE
Sample should be kept cool, refrigerated if not examined immediately.
Reagents storage
Store at room temperature.