According to Brown et al., the feces will be collected in sterile containers free from urine.

Utilizing this sample, thin fecal smears are to be preserved through the use of an MIF fixative stain (refer to Merthiolate-IodineFormaldehyde fixative stain section) for later laboratory examination as the preserved material would approximately last for a year if kept in tight-fitting bottles. To concentrate the helminth eggs, the floatation method is used where the concentration of cysts and eggs are accounted for by the specific gravity of chemical solutions (approx. 1.12 to 1.21) and of helminth eggs and larvae (approx.. 1.05 to 1.15). The eggs and cysts would float to the surface in heavier solutions as the fecal material sink at the bottom. Specifically, the Zinc sulfate centrifugal floatation technique is used (refer to Zinc Sulfate Centrifugal Technique section) utilizing a zinc sulfate solution with a specific gravity of 1.18. This method is considered 80% effective in detecting eggs and cysts in light infection, and it also does not impair the morphology of cysts for approximately an hour. It is highly advised to examine the sample as soon as possible. Merthiolate-Iodine-Formaldehyde Fixiative Stain Merthiolate-formaldehyde solution Tincture of merthiolate No. 99, Lilly (1:1000) 200mL Formaldehyde, U.S.P. 25mL Glycerol 5mL Distilled Water 250mL Lugols iodine solution Iodine Potassium iodide Distilled water 5g 10g 100mL

The proportion of 9.4mL MIF and 0.6mL Lugols per gram of feces, with an identical proportion for lesser amounts. The feces is added with the use of an applicator and is thoroughly mixed, then placed in screw-top vials to prolong the preservation. It is important to note that the Lugols solution must not be older than 3 weeks. If the solution is more approximately 1 week old, an increase of 25% for the amount is needed and in 2 weeks a 50% increase is needed. Specifically for the floatation concentration, the supernatant fluid containing the bulk preparation is to be replaced with a brine solution and the procedure is followed as normal. Zinc Sulfate Centrifugal Technique The zinc sulfate solution is made by dissolving 331g of technical grade granular in 1000mL water and adjusting its specific gravity to 1.20 with a hydrometer instead of the usual 1.18 specific gravity due to the feces being formolized. To perform the technique, a suspension is made by comminuting 1g of freshly passed feces in approximately 10mL of lukewarm tapwater. To remove coarse particles, the suspension is to be strained through a single layer of cheesecloth in a funnel into a small test tube. If there are no coarse particles, this step may be omitted. The suspension is then centrifuged for 1 minute at

2300rpm. The supernatant is then to be discarded and 2mL of water is added. The sediment is to be broken up through shaking or tapping. This step is to be repeated multiple times until the supernatant fluid is almost clear. The last supernatant fluid is then discarded and 2mL of the zinc sulfate with a specific gravity of 1.20 is added, the sediment broken up, and additional zinc sulfate is added until the test tube is filled to the rim. A coverglass will then be placed over the tube that is centrifugated again for 1 minute at 2300rpm. To examine the specimen, the coverglass is removed and the specimen is mounted on a clean slide in a drop of Lugols iodine solution.