Faecal Egg Counts - SATD Salt Procedure & McMaster Chamber
Use of fumehood recommended
Method:
Weigh faeces into jar (approx 2g)
Measure 48ml saturated sodium chloride
Strain into another jar, rinsing with remaining satd sodium chloride
While agitating well, suck up some filtrate
Immediately turn pipette to horizontal position
(so eggs do not float to top of pipette)
While holiding pipette horizontally, fill 2 chambers
Let stand for a few minutes before counting
Count eggs in both chambers, averaging the result
Calculations:
Eggs per gram (epg) = no. eggs/0.3ml * volume(ml)/wt(g)
where volume = wt + volume of fluid (=50 in above example)
[eg if 1 egg is found in 2g poo, the eggs per gram (epg) is 83]
Note: volume of chamber = 0.3ml
Flotation Solution:
Saturated Sodium Chloride (SG 1.18)
Add NaCl to dH2O until the solution is saturated
(always have undissolved salt in the bottle to ensure saturation)
Safety Precautions
Wear lab coat and disposable gloves
Wash hands thoroughly when finished
Cleaning Up Procedures
Dispose of any disposable items in clinical waste bin
(secure in sealed plastic bag to reduce any odour
Rinse any glassware and spray with 70% ethanol before putting in wash up container
Wipe down work area with 70% ethanol
Ensure lab is clean and tidy