Which test is commonly used to identify helminths in stool?

The stool concentration technique is commonly used to identify helminths in stool samples because it enhances the detection of parasitic eggs or larvae by concentrating them in a smaller volume of the sample. This method typically involves separating the eggs from the fecal matter through a series of processes such as sedimentation or flotation. By concentrating the sample, the likelihood of finding helminth eggs, which may be present in low numbers, increases significantly.

Microscopic examination is indeed a crucial part of identifying helminths, as it allows for the direct visualization of the eggs or larvae. However, without the stool concentration technique, the microscopic examination may not yield accurate results due to the dilution of eggs in larger stool samples. On the other hand, serological assays are primarily used for detecting antibodies or antigens related to infections but are not effective for directly identifying helminths in stool. Lastly, acid-fast staining is a method used mainly for Mycobacterium species, particularly in tuberculosis diagnosis, and does not apply to helminth identification, making it unsuitable for this context. Thus, the stool concentration technique remains the standard approach for facilitating the detection and identification of helminths in stool samples.