Stool Collection

Transportation of Stool Samples for Parasites Detection Laboratory

The following steps are followed to transport the stool sample. The main aim of transportation is to maintain the integrity and safety of the stool sample.

1. 1. Packaging: Place the well-labeled leakproof stool sample container into a biohazard bag. Biohazard bag is specially designed for infectious materials.

2. Additional packaging: Place the biohazard bag into the secondary bag. It is extra protection to prevent contamination during transportation.

3. Ice pack: If required, transport the sample packaging in an ice pack. Ice pack maintains the integrity of the sample and prevents bacterial growth in the sample.

4. Transportation: Deliver the stool sample to the medical laboratory as quickly as possible.

5. Documentation: Maintain a record of the method of collection and transportation.

Processing of Stool Samples for Parasites Detection in Laboratory

The following steps are followed to detect parasites in the stool sample inside the medical laboratory.

1. Sample receiving: The laboratory technician shall receive the stool sample and records all the details mentioned on the container label and specific instruction.

2. Sample preparation: The laboratory technician shall mix the sample thoroughly to ensure uniform distribution of the fecal materials.

3. Examination: Macroscopic and microscopic examination of the sample shall be carried out.

4. Macroscopic examination: Visual examination of the stool is a macroscopic examination. Consistency, color, presence of blood, and mucus in stool are examined.

5. Microscopic examination: It is the most common method to detect parasites in the stool. Place a portion of the stool on a clean dry glass slide. Mix the sample with saline water. Cover it with the coverslip. Examine the slide under a microscope. Fix proper magnification to identify the parasites, their eggs, cysts, or larvae.

6. Staining and fixation: Fixation and staining of the sample on a glass slide enhance the visibility of parasites. The selection of stain shall depend upon suspected parasites present in the sample.

Transportation of Stool Samples for Parasites Detection in Laboratory

The transportation process must assure sample safety and integrity. The sample should be transported and delivered as quickly as possible. The time between the collection of the sample and its testing affects the viability of the parasites and the accuracy of the test result. Transpiration temperature should be maintained to assure the safety and integrity of the stool sample. Ice pack or cool pack is used to Keep stool sample cool. But their freezing should be avoided.

Preservation of Stool Samples for Parasites Detection in Laboratory

Proper preservation of stool samples is essential for accurate test results. Following guidelines are followed to preserve stool samples.

1. Fresh sample collected within 24 to 48 hours before analysis is suitable for proper identification of parasites. The sample should be preserved at refrigeration temperature (2 to 8 degrees C).

2. If the sample is not to be analyzed after its collection then a preservative is added to the sample to maintain the integrity of the sample. Commonly used preservatives are Cary-Blair medium and formalin. Cary Blair can preserve the sample for 72 hours. Formalin is the most preferred preservative to preserve the morphology of parasites.

Author: Dr Pramila Singh