How is a FEC carried out ?

For collection of a sample of droppings : Sugical glove
To identify the sample : a permanent marker pen, for preservation (in a refrigerator)

 For the analysis :
•    Pair of tweezers
•    Small bowls
•    Accurate electronic weighing scales (accuracy : 0.01g, capacity : 100g)
•    Flotation liquid : High density solution, allowing egg concentration, lower density on the surface. E.g saturated salted water (300g of salt per litre of water)
•    A measuring glass calibrated in ml, or a 50ml seringe
•    A tea strainer
•    Plastic pipettes
•    A MacMaster slide : special laboratory slide with two chambers. Each chamber has a network where the limits are engraved as a square divided into columns.
•    A microscope with a X10 Power lense

Interpretation of the Mac Master slide under the microscope is done in the following way :
•    Adjust the lens and focus on the lines of the grid, and on the air bubbles

•    Reading the slide and counting the eggs of each species of parasite, in both grids, following th lines etched in the slide

•    Calculation :  : multiply the number of eggs counted by 50.

Treatment thresholds vary according to the parasites concerned. A count of 200 epg is commonly used as a threshold for treating against small strongyles. However, it is necessary to have epidemiological knowledge before any decision is made. Consult your treating veterinarian for advice.