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Macroscopic and Microscopic Examination of Fecal Specimens, Page 1 of 2
< Previous page Next page > /docserver/preview/fulltext/10.1128/9781555818814/9781555818814_Chap9.3-1.gif /docserver/preview/fulltext/10.1128/9781555818814/9781555818814_Chap9.3-2.gifAbstract:
The age of fresh fecal specimens is an important factor in the diagnosis of parasitic infections ( 1 , ref9.3.1_2 , ref9.3.1_3 – 4 ). The date and time of passage must be provided for each specimen submitted to the laboratory. The physical characteristics of a fresh fecal specimen may aid in determining what types of organisms may be present ( 1 , ref9.3.1_2 , ref9.3.1_3 – 4 ). Fecal specimens are described as formed, semiformed, soft, loose, or watery. Loose or watery specimens may contain trophozoites, whereas formed or semiformed specimens are more likely to contain cyst stages. Helminth eggs or larvae may be found in any type of specimen but are more difficult to find in liquid specimens because of the dilution factor. One can also see if blood and/or mucus is present, although if present, neither one necessarily indicates a parasitic infection. When the fresh specimen is examined visually in the collection container, adult pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) and tapeworm proglottids may also be seen.