Fresh fecal samples without preservatives or fixatives are required for the Baermann technique. The fixative also preserves helminth eggs. Mix one volume of feces with at least three volumes of SAF fixative. Shake container well to ensure complete dispersal of specimen. Vials containing SAF fixative are available from the Parasitology Laboratory.
Gross specimens require fixation and preservation prior to mailing.
Most nematodes from domestic animals can be easily identified, but if nematodes are from exotic or wild animals, special fixation is needed. Skin scrapings may be sent on slides if a coverslip is sealed to the slides with clear nail polish or similar material. Be sure there is enough oil under the coverslip so that the material will not dry out in transit. Send more than one slide if possible. In addition, submit a scraping from the same area the parasites were found.