Title: (Optional) Demonstrate the preparation of a fecal sample.
Course: Small Animal Care II (18102-II) > Section: Performing Technical Functions

Demonstration should include

- adhering to standard safety procedures (e.g., wearing safety glasses, gloves, lab coat)
- collecting a fecal sample
- placing a sample in a sealed and labeled container
- refrigerating the sample if there is to be a delay before parasite analysis will occur
- assessing and reporting an abnormal appearance (i.e., gross exam).

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why should a fecal sample be refrigerated or placed in an appropriate solution if it is not going to be analyzed at once?
- What is a fecal loop? Why is it preferred to obtain a fecal sample with a fecal loop rather than collecting it from the ground? What are some disadvantages of using a fecal loop?
- What are potential health risks for humans handling fecal samples of animals? How can these risks be minimized or eliminated?
- What are the methods used to obtain and prepare fecal samples?