Veterinary Technician Practice Exam

The iodine tincture solution applied to fecal smears to examine for parasites is called what?

1. Sodium hypochlorite

2. Saline

3. Lugol's solution

4. Alcohol

The correct answer is: Lugol's solution

The iodine tincture solution used in fecal smears for the examination of parasites is known as Lugol's solution. This solution is a form of iodine that serves as a staining agent, enhancing the visibility of parasites and other structures within the fecal sample under a microscope. The iodine interacts with various cellular components, allowing for improved contrast, which facilitates the identification of parasites, their eggs, or cysts present in feces. Lugol’s solution is particularly effective in staining protozoan cysts and is commonly used in veterinary diagnostics for intestinal parasitic infections. Its capability to provide clear demarcation of the structures in the sample is essential for accurate identification. Other solutions mentioned serve different purposes. Sodium hypochlorite is often used as a disinfectant and not suitable for staining samples. Saline can be used in various laboratory procedures but does not enhance visibility of parasites in the same way. Alcohol is a fixative rather than a staining agent and is not suitable for examining fecal smears where staining is required.