Faeces

Question 1

Describe the Standard Faecal Flotation technique

Answer 1

1. Mix faeces and solution thoroughly (3 – 4g in 50ml of water)
2. Put mixture through a fine sieve
3. Put the filtrate in a test tube and leave for 5 minutes.
4. Pour off the supernatant then add the flotation solution. (saturated salt solution)
5. Fill a test tube to the top - with a meniscus on top.
6. Place a cover slip on top and leave for 10 – 20 minutes.
7. Lift cover slip off vertically and place it on a slide.
8. Look under low power x 25

Question 2

What speed and how long is faeces spun at in the centifuge?

Answer 2

1000 - 1500rpm

3 - 5 minute

Question 3

What might these colours of faeces indicate?

Brown
Black
Red
Yellow
White

Answer 3

Brown - normal

Black – malaena (bleeding from the small intestine)

Red – haematochezia (bleeding from the large intestine)

Yellow – malabsorption of nutrients, liver disease

White – eating too many bones or increased fat in diet