Stool SPECIMEN SPECIMEN Stool specimens are examined for the presence of protozoa and worm larvae or eggs. The stages of protozoa found in feces are cysts and trophozoites. The stages of worms that are usually found in feces are eggs and larvae, although whole adult worms or parts of worms can also be seen. Adult worms and parts of tapeworms can usually be seen with the naked eye, but eggs, larvae, trophozoites and cysts can only be seen through a microscope. To determine this structure, the fecal material must be thoroughly prepared and examined. Stool Specimen Collection Good stool collection requires attention to: 1. Specimen holder • Tightly closed glass or plastic containers or boxes that are coated with wax on the inside and tightly closed • Specimen containers must be clearly labeled, containing information: • Patient name or patient number • Collection date • Time when feces are expelled from the patient's body (when defecating) 2. Storage and Shipping Some organisms, especially amoeba trophozoites, are easily destroyed or changes within a short time after being excreted in the feces so that it becomes unrecognizable. Warm temperatures will also accelerate these changes. Therefore, specimens must be brought to the laboratory as soon as possible (no more than 1.5 hours) after the feces are expelled from the body and avoid warm temperatures. If it is not possible to arrive within 1.5 hours, then the specimen must be preserved. In the laboratory, the container containing the specimen is stored in the darkest or coldest place, if necessary in the refrigerator. Specimens should not be stored in a warm place and should not be left in direct sunlight. 3. Specimen Volume The specimen volume must be large enough for adequate examination. The recommended volume/amount is approximately the size of a pigeon's egg. Stool specimens should also be free of urine, feces and soil. Urine can destroy amoeba trophozoites, while dirt or soil will affect the examination