Parasitology: Fecal Float Procedure

A fecal flotation is a common veterinary test used to find the eggs of internal worms and protozoan parasites in a stool sample. The procedure involves mixing a small amount of feces with a special flotation solution that is denser than the parasite eggs. This mixture is strained to remove large debris and then left to sit, allowing the lighter parasite eggs to float to the surface. A coverslip is used to collect these eggs from the surface, which is then examined under a microscope to identify the type and number of parasites present.