Direct Smear Method:

23.5.2 Direct Smear Method:

Direct smear is the easiest method. Most types of eggs can be seen using this method. However, it is not very accurate and can be confusing. Because only a tiny amount of feces is actually examined, often the results are negative even when there are eggs in the rest of the feces. Also, along with the parasite eggs, one sees all kinds of undigested pieces of grass, pieces of pollen, dirt, etc.; and it is all very confusing.

Procedure:

 A small amount of fresh feces (a drop) is mixed with several drops of water on a microscope slide.

 Examine under low power. If you think you see an egg, switch to a higher power and examine the egg more closely.

Results:

 If an egg is seen, the sample is positive. However, if an egg is not seen, you cannot say for sure that the sample was definitely negative. Instead, you can simply say that you did not see the egg. If the sample is negative but the animal has all the signs of internal parasites, you should still treat the animal for internal parasites; or you should do a specific fecal sample (like sedimentation or floatation).