ABC's of sample collection

Always try to collect samples from fresh, warm dung (the fresher the better) and sample from multiple points in the dung pile as eggs are not always evenly distributed throughout the dung.

What you'll need

• Ziplock bag(s) (A sandwich bag is a good size) 

• At least one glove (Not required for the reverse bag method)

• Marker to write on the bag(s)

Dos and Don’ts

• What to write on the bag (It is often easier to do this prior to collection, rather than after)

1. your/yard name

2. the date

3. the horse's name/identification

• When collecting the sample do your best to not collect dung that is touching the ground and avoid collecting foreign materials, such as dirt, grass, stones, etc.

• Samples should be collected from the top and middle areas of the dung pile. 

• Use a clean spoon or fresh glove (when collecting by hand) for each individual (unless using the bag as a glove to collect the sample)

• When sealing the bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag. 

• The sample should be cooled as soon as possible after collection,  don't leave it to sit out! Leaving it to sit out can produce deflated and inaccurate results. 

• Samples should be stored in a refrigerator, or a cooler box with ice packs for short durations/transport. Keep samples cool until they can be analysed.  

When using a cooler box, samples must not be placed directly on the ice packs as this may destroy the parasite eggs. We recommend placing a piece or two of newspaper between the ice packs and the sample.

• Never store samples in the freezer!!!

• While guidelines allow for samples to be stored in a refrigerator for up to 6 days, we prefer to analyse them as early as possible to give you real-time results and ask that you collect your sample within 24 hours of pick-up time, the closer the better.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding sample collection please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Step by Step

Collect dung separately from each animal to be tested. Do not combine dung from different horses. 

1. Label the bag to be used with

   • Your name/yard name

   • The horse's name

   • The date

2. Collect the sample from a freshly deposited, preferably warm, pile of dung (use the back of a gloved hand to feel for warmth if you are unsure).

3. As samples are on an individual basis you may turn the Ziplock bag inside out and sample by hand, rather than using a glove/spoon, turning the bag the correct way around once collection is complete.

Samples should be taken from several balls within an individual pile with the total size of the sample being bigger than a golf ball but smaller than a tennis ball.

4. Seal the bag while removing as much of the air as possible.

5. Cool the sample.

Repeat as necessary for all horses requiring testing.   

If you have any questions or concerns regarding sample collection please do not hesitate to contact us.