Fixatives for Preservation

• A fixative that is commonly used for preserving protozoa and helminths but does not adequately preserve parasite morphology for permanent smears?

  =  Formalin
• A fixative that is a combination of polyvinyl alcohol and Schaudinn solution, suitable for preparing permanent stained smears?

  = Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)
• A fixative is mercury-free and suitable for concentration techniques, permanent stained smears, and detecting coccidian oocysts?

  = Sodium acetate formalin (SAF)
• A fixative is an alternative to mercury-based PVA and can be used for concentration methods and permanent stained smears?

  = Modified polyvinyl alcohol fixative
• A fixative that is free of formalin and mercury and can be used for concentration techniques, permanent stained smears, and fecal immunoassays?

  = Alternative single-vial systems
• What is the recommended ratio of fixative to stool when preserving a stool sample?

  = 3 parts fixative to 1 part stool or 1:3
• Which fixative has a long shelf life and can preserve specimens for several years?

  = Formalin
• It is fixative that requires the addition of albumin to ensure specimen adhesion on slides?

  = Sodium acetate formalin (SAF)
• A fixative that contains mercuric chloride and has led to regulations and a search for alternatives?

  =  Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)
• A fixative that may reduce the clarity of protozoa morphology compared to mercury-based fixatives?

  = Sodium acetate formalin (SAF)