Fluke Egg Sedimentation

Method:

Soak 3 to 6ml faeces in 30 to 60 ml water and mix thoroughly
Pass through sieve into a conical sedimentation flask (250ml) adding extra water until flask is full
Allow to sediment for no longer than 3 min
Pour off supernatant
Repeat until faecal debris is reduced and supernatant is clear
Pour off supernatant
Carefully transfer sediment into a test tube, washing the flask to remove all debris
Mix well* and allow to sit for 3 min before removing supernatant
Transfer all contents and rinsings into a Petri dish and count complete area
*can add 1 or 2 drops of 5% aqueous methylene blue solution in test tube to aid in identification (yellow or colourless fluke eggs against a blue background)

Safety Precautions

Wear lab coat and disposable gloves
Wash hands thoroughly when finished

Cleaning Up Procedures

Rinse all glassware and spray with 70% ethanol before putting in wash up container
Wipe down work area
Spray work area with 70% ethanol and wipe
Ensure lab is clean and tidy