FAECAL SMEAR Meaning and
Definition
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A faecal smear refers to a microbiological laboratory technique aimed at examining a microscopic sample of feces under a microscope. This diagnostic test is primarily used to detect and identify the presence of pathogens, parasites, and other microorganisms in the fecal matter. It involves taking a small amount of stool and spreading it onto a glass slide for microscopic evaluation.
Conducting a faecal smear involves the application of various staining techniques to enhance the visibility of microorganisms present in the sample. Commonly used stains include the Gram stain, acid-fast stain, or specific stains designed for identifying parasites. These stains help differentiate different types of bacteria, fungi, and parasites, enabling accurate identification and subsequent treatment of any detected infections.
Faecal smears are particularly useful for identifying gastrointestinal infections, such as bacterial or viral enteritis, parasitic infestations like Giardia or Cryptosporidium, or even the presence of blood cells, which may indicate intestinal bleeding or inflammatory conditions. By examining the microorganisms present in the sample, healthcare professionals can determine the cause of symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever, aiding in proper diagnosis and subsequent treatment planning.
Overall, a faecal smear is a microscopic examination of a stool sample that enables the identification of pathogens and parasites, facilitating the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal infections and related conditions.
Common Misspellings for FAECAL SMEAR
- daecal smear
- caecal smear
- vaecal smear
- gaecal smear
- taecal smear
- raecal smear
- fzecal smear
- fsecal smear
- fwecal smear
- fqecal smear
- fawcal smear
- fascal smear
- fadcal smear
- farcal smear
- fa4cal smear
- fa3cal smear
- faexal smear
- faeval smear
- faefal smear
- faedal smear
Etymology of FAECAL SMEAR
The word "faecal" is derived from the Latin term "fæcālis", which means "pertaining to dregs" or "pertaining to waste". It is related to the Latin word "fæx", which means "dregs" or "sediment". The term "smear" originated from the Old English word "smerian", which means "to spread thinly". In the context of medical terminology, a "faecal smear" refers to a sample of feces that is spread thinly onto a microscope slide for examination. The etymology of this term highlights its literal meaning, encompassing the process of obtaining and examining fecal material.
