MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION OF FECAL

SPECIMEN:
Kato Thick Smear Technique
INTRODUCTION
A technique introduced by Kato and Miura (1954) involving a simple, thick
smear method and using a cellophane cover for the examination of helminth
eggs in stools. The Kato technique in the past has been used for the
detection of helminth eggs but nowadays it is most commonly used for
detecting schistosomal eggs. However, it cannot be used to identify
hookworm eggs because they collapse within 30 to 60 minutes of
preparation using this method. This technique differs from the ordinary direct
smear in that a larger quantity of stool will be used and coverslips are
substituted for cellulose acetate film soaked in glycerine.
Schistosoma mansoni, a significant parasite of humans, is a trematode
that is one of the major agents of the disease schistosomiasis of intestinal
origin.

PROCEDURE AND METHODS

Place 40-60 mg of
stool on a clean
glass slide

Cover with cellophane

soaked with glycerin-

malachite green
solution

Observe under LPO

*suspicious objects: HPO

Press with rubber

stopper

At room temp., allow

to stand 20-30
minutes

RESULTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

Result:
FECALYSIS
Name of patient: Luigi Gomez
November 6, 2014
Age: 7 y/o
Sex: Male
PHYSICAL:
Character: Mushy
Color: Dark Brown
Mucus: None
parasite seen
Blood: None

Date:

MICROSCOPIC:
RBC: None
WBC: None
Parasite: No ova or

Interpretation:
The patients Physical and Microscopic results based from the
experiment obtained shows an abnormal stool specimen for the physical
examination but no ova or parasites were seen.

ANSWERS TO GUIDE QUESTIONS

QUESTIONS FOR RESEARCH

AND

THE

Guide Questions:
1. What is the purpose of the malachite green and glycerin?
Malachite green is for staining the background to make a contrasting
environment so that we can easily visualize the number of eggs that is
present in the stool sample. Glycerin on the other hand is used as a clearing
solution and it dissolves fecal debris.
Questions for Research:
Draw and Label
A. Important phases of the Kato thick smear technique.

B. A schematic diagram of any abnormal microscopic structures found in

your preparation.

1. Give the advantages and disadvantages of the Kato thick smear

technique.

ADVANTAGES
Simple
Time saving
Economical
High chances to find eggs
Useful in mass examination of
common
soil
transmitted
helminth infections

DISADVANTAGES
It cannot be used in liquid, soft,
or diarrheic stool.
It cannot be used for detection
of protozoan infection.
Limited within 1hour because
after 1hour it would be
disintegrated.

2. What are some precautions that should be observed in the performance of

the Kato Thick smear technique?
a) Remember that liquid, soft and diarrheic stools are not suitable for Kato
Thick.
b) Specimen should be spread evenly, not too thick nor too thin.
c) Do not let preparation to dry up while letting it stand

d) The clearing process will not begin until the cellophane covered smear
is turned up so that it can absorb the solution.
e) Perform the Kato Thick immediately because it disintegrates after an
hour.

UPDATES
Comparison of the Bell technique, a modified Kato thick smear technique, and a
digestion method for the field diagnosis of schistosomiasis mansoni
A modification of the Kato thick smear technique, the Bell filtration technique,
and a digestion method were investigated to determine the relative merits of each
for the detection of schistosome eggs in human faecal samples. The modified Kato
technique was the method of choice because it was sensitive, simple to perform,
and suitable for field use. The Bell filtration technique was equally sensitive in
detecting light infections, but was more tedious and more complicated to perform
than the thick smear technique.
http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?aid=5196260

REFERENCE/S:
Elizabeth A. Zeibig, Clinical Parasitology: A Practical Approach, Second
Edition, 2013
John and Petri, Markell and Voges Medical Parasitology 9th edition,
2010

http://www.popline.org/node/468732
http://www.atitesting.com/ati_next_gen/skillsmodules/content/specime
n-collection-new/images/ap_stool_spec_cnt_sld_lbl.jpg
http://www.parasitol.or.kr/kjp/Synapse/Data/PDFData/0066KJP/kjp-748.pdf
http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?
fromPage=online&aid=5196260