Fecal flotation is a routine veterinary test used to diagnose internal parasites or "worms." The test detects the eggs of mature parasites that live inside the body and pass their eggs to the outside by shedding them into the host's stool. Some of these parasites are worm-like, while others are tiny single-celled organisms called protozoa. Most of the parasites live in the intestine, but a few live elsewhere in the body.

A fecal smear is a thin layer of feces that is examined under a microscope.
The smear is usually performed in combination with other tests to identify possible causes of diarrhea.
Ideally, the sample should be examined within 30 minutes of collection.
Fecal smears are generally used to identify Giardia, a protozoan parasite that causes diarrhea.
Fecal smears are used to examine fecal cytology—the cells within a fecal sample.
Identifying organisms in a fecal smear can help your veterinarian determine the most effective treatment for your pet’s diarrhea.