[A simple flotation and McMaster method (author's transl)].

Abstract

A simple and hygienic flotation and McMaster method is described (cf. Fig. 1): The faeces sample (3-5 gm) is mixed with flotation fluid (40-60 ml) in a disposable plastic cup (cup I) and a circular piece of gauze, with a diameter equivalent to twice the height of the cup plus the diameter of its base, is placed over the cup. By a similar cup (cup II), with the bottom cut off and slits made in the side, the gauze is pressed down in cup I. By this procedure the faeces suspension will be filtered through the gauze and appear in cup II. After 10 minutes some drops after transferred from the surface of the filtrate to a slide by means of a test tube, which is dipped to the bottom of the filtrate and quickly moved over to the slide. The optimal procedure was worked out with faeces containing faeces containing eggs of Ostertagia ostertagi. Saturated sodium chloride with 50 g glucose per 100 ml was found to be a suitable flotation fluid for demonstrating eggs of commonly occurring parasites, e.g., trichostronglyids and ascarids. The described flotation technique is more efficacious than the one hitherto employed. The technique is usable also in connection with a McMaster method: 4 gm. faeces are suspended in 56 ml flotation fluid. Immediately following filtration, filtrate is transferred to a McMaster counting chamber by means of a Pasteur pipette.