What is a fecal float test used for?

A fecal float test is a diagnostic procedure specifically designed to detect the presence of parasites in an animal’s stool. This test takes advantage of the fact that many parasites and their eggs have a lower density than the surrounding fecal matter and will float to the surface when mixed with a special solution. By examining the material that rises to the top under a microscope, veterinarians can identify various types of gastrointestinal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms.

The other options, while important aspects of veterinary diagnostics, do not pertain to the specific purpose of a fecal float test. For instance, measuring blood glucose levels is related to diabetes diagnosis and management, evaluating hydration status generally involves assessing skin turgor or mucous membranes, and assessing liver function typically requires blood tests that analyze liver enzyme levels or bilirubin levels. None of these processes involve the analysis of fecal matter, which is the key focus of the fecal float test.