How long should you allow the fecal flotation to sit before reading it?

The recommended time to allow the fecal flotation solution to sit before reading the results is typically around 10 minutes. This duration is important because it allows sufficient time for the eggs or cysts present in the fecal sample to rise to the surface of the flotation solution. During this time, the specific gravity of the flotation solution causes less dense materials, such as eggs and cysts, to float, forming a distinct layer at the top, which can then be examined under a microscope.

Sitting for too short a period may not allow all eggs or cysts to float, potentially leading to an inaccurate reading or missed parasites in the sample. Conversely, allowing the sample to sit for too long can result in changes to the flotational properties, possibly leading to clumping or degradation that can skew results. Thus, a 10-minute wait strikes a balance that maximizes accuracy in the identification of parasites within the fecal sample.