What is a fecal flotation?

Fecal flotation is a test used to screen for intestinal worm eggs and protozoal infections

How is a fecal flotation performed?

A small amount of fresh stool sample is mixed with flotation fluid to create a suspension in which parasite eggs will float to the surfaces. The eggs are collected using a glass slide and examined under the microscope.

What are the diagnostic benefits of a fecal flotation?

The appearance of the eggs observed will help the vet identify the type of parasitic infection, and decide on the appropriate anti-parasitic treatment for the patient.

A fecal smear and cytology is the examination of a thin layer of a fecal sample under the microscope to identify parasites and bacteria.

A fresh fecal sample is smeared onto glass slides, saline is added and the sample is examined under the microscope for parasites. Another sample is stained with special dyes and examined under the microscope to identify and examine for cells, bacteria, and fungi.

The type of cells observed can assist in detecting the presence of gastrointestinal bleeding, infection, inflammation or cancer. The type of bacteria or fungal observed will help us identify the type of bacteria / fungal infection present, and decide on the appropriate antibiotics or anti-fungal treatment