Feclab Worm Count Test Kits

WORM COUNT KIT (& COMBO KIT)

Worms & Eggs Tested For:
Toxocara canis (Ascarid)
Toxascaris leonina (Ascarid)
Uncinaria stenocephala (Hookworm) 
Ancylostoma caninum (Hookworm)
Trichuris vulpis (Whipworm)
Spirocerca lupi (Oesophageal worm)
Dipylidium caninum (Tapeworm)
Taenia pisiformis (Tapeworm)
Echinococcus granulosus (Tapeworm)
Echinococcus multiocularis (Tapeworm) 
Mesocestoides (Tapeworm)
Cystoisospora (Coccidia) 
Giardia
Lung Worm* (Angiostrongylus & Crenosoma) *Combo Kit Only

How does a worm count work? 

Faecal Egg Count (FEC) is a method of determining how many internal parasite Eggs are present in a particular poo sample. It may also be possible to determine the different types of worms or other parasites present. The information on both the number and type of parasites can be used to determine whether or not a worming treatment is required - often owners follow a monthly worming programme that is both costly and unnecessary for their dogs (would you treat your child for head-lice 'just in case' they had them or would you check first?)

If an animal has internal parasites the eggs produced by the adult parasites are often passed out in the poo. If eggs are found in a fresh poo sample it shows that worms are present in the animal. The number of eggs found can provide a useful indication of the level of parasite infection, so a high egg count would suggest a high level of adult parasites in the animal.

FEC is an extremely valuable tool to monitor parasite levels for individuals and groups of animals. Feclab test Dog's (and Cat's) poo for Tapeworm, Hookworm, and Threadworm (bear in mind these can be passed to humans too). The test kit makes it easy and safe to collect a sample. How much is your peace of mind worth?

What FecLab do with your sample 

A measured amount of the poo sample is added to a measured amount of a solution (a flotation fluid) that allows the parasite eggs to float to the surface. The mix needs to be carefully measured so the results can be translated into a final ‘eggs per gram’ (or epg). The poo and the solution are mixed well and then strained through a sieve or cheesecloth to get rid of as much debris as possible The filtered solution is then stirred again and a small sample drawn off with a syringe or pipette for examination right away (eggs will start to float to the top as soon as the mix is left undisturbed).

The sample is place into a counting slide which normally has two chambers, each with a grid etched onto the top surface. One chamber is filled, the solution is stirred again and then the second chamber is filled. The sample is then allowed to stand for a short while allowing the eggs to float to the surface where it is easier to see them under a microscope. Eggs that can be seen under the etched grid are then counted and identified, as necessary. The Quantities of poo and flotation fluid that are mixed together determine the multiplication factor that is applied to the egg count result to give a final ‘eggs per gram’.

You will receive your results within 5 working days of receipt by email. Feclab always test samples twice to give a professional accurate result.

How to take a sample 

Your kit will include: A resealable outer bag, gloves, spoon, odour proof sample bag, form, Freepost envelope

1) Place your sample of poo into the odour proof sample bag using the gloves and spoon provided.  Seal it, then place into the outer resealable bag.

2) Fill in the form with all of your details

3) Pop the form and sample into the freepost envelope and take it to the post office.

4) Your results will arrive by email within 5 working days of it being received at the lab 

LUNG WORM COUNT (& COMBO KIT)

Worms & Eggs tested for:
Angiostrongylus & Crenosoma (Lung worm)

How does a Lung Worm Count work and how is it different to a standard Worm Egg Count? 

Unlike intestinal parasites, lungworms reside in the lungs of a dog. Most dogs will not show any signs of having lungworms, but some can develop a cough. Snails and slugs are popular intermediate hosts of this type of parasite, but dogs are usually infected after eating a bird or rodent who has ingested an intermediate host or drinking from streams or puddles.

What FecLab do with your sample

Our Lungworm faecal sample test is done using a technique called Baermann flotation , which may show larvae of both Angiostrongylus and Crenosoma but bear in mind that larvae may only be present intermittently in the faeces and dogs may show clinical signs such as coughing prior to the larvae being present in the faeces.

The faecal sample is suspended in a solution for 24 hours, Then analysed, Lungworm Faecal tests are not 100% , if you know of Lungworm cases in your area a veterinary blood test is advisable.

You will receive your results within 48-72 hours of receipt by email. Feclab always test samples twice to give a professional accurate result.

How to take a sample 

Your kit will include: A resealable outer bag, gloves, spoons, 3 x odour proof sample bags, form, Freepost envelope

1) Place THREE DIFFERENT poo samples (from different times of the day) into the odour proof sample bags using the gloves and spoon provided.  Seal them, then place into the outer resealable bag. 

2) Fill in the form with all of your details

3) Pop the form and sample into the freepost envelope and take it to the post office. 

4) Your results will arrive by email within 5 working days of it being received at the lab