Processing

• Macroscopic examination of stool specimens is performed to assess:

  =  Consistency and color
• The presence of soft or liquid stools may suggest the presence of:

  =  Protozoan cysts
• Gross abnormalities in the stool, such as adult worms or proglottids, should be:

  = Documented and reported
• Microscopic examinations of stool specimens aim to detect:

  = Parasites and ova
• Which of the following procedures is NOT involved in the microscopic examination of stool specimens? a)Direct wet preparationsb) Gram stainingc) Concentrated wet preparationsd) Permanently stained smears

  = Gram staining
• Direct wet preparations are not necessary if the specimen is received in:

  = Fixative
• Microscopic examinations should be performed on:

  = Fresh specimens
• The purpose of concentrated wet preparations is to:

  = Enhance the visibility of parasites and ova
• Permanent stained smears are commonly used to:

  =  Identify parasite species and stages
• When examining stool specimens microscopically, it is important to consider:

  = The patient's medication use