How to Make Your Own Floating Fluid for a Microscope With Epsom Salts

A micrsocope epsom-salt floating fluid is vital for visualizing parastic eggs.

Floating fluid is a necessary component of fecal exams under the microscope. This is due to its ability to make parasitic eggs separate from fecal matter. The eggs of parasites have a lower density then that of fecal matter so they will float when exposed to the floating fluid solution. Since the eggs will float at the top of the solution they then can be transferred to a cover slip and viewed under a microscope.

Things You'll Need

• Epsom salt
• Water
• Pint mason jar
• Pan
• Distilled water
• Wooden stirring spoon

Instructions

1. Pour enough distilled water into the mason jar to fill it completely.

2. Pour the water from the mason jar into a pan and heat to a slow boil.

3. Slowly pour epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) into the pan of boiling water while stirring. Keep pouring in epsom salt until the solution becomes saturated (this is marked by espom salt collecting on the bottom of the pan.)

4. Remove the pan of water from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.

5. Pour the epsom salt solution into the mason jar and label accordingly. The solution is now ready for use as a flotation solution.

Tips & Warnings

• Pour the epsom salt into the water slowly to ensure that not too much is added.

• Use caution when handling the liquid after boiling, as its high temperature could cause burns.

References

• Able Oaks: How To Use A Microscope To Do Fecal Tests
• Nematode Plant Expert Information Center: Veterinary Parasites Laboratory Procedures
• Goat Biology: The Biology Of The Goat Laboratory
• Frog Forum: How To Do Amphibian Fecal Exam

Resources

• Triquest Boer Goats: Fecal Testing