For what reasons are fecal floatation and sedimentation used in the diagnosis of helminths?

Fecal floatation and sedimentation are diagnostic techniques primarily used to identify eggs or larvae of helminths in stool samples. These methods are effective because many helminth eggs and larvae have distinct densities that allow them to either float in a solution or be separated based on their weight during sedimentation.

Fecal floatation typically uses a solution with a specific gravity higher than that of the eggs or larvae, causing these parasitic forms to float to the surface for easier detection. Sedimentation involves adding water or a saline solution to the fecal sample, allowing heavier particles to settle at the bottom, which are then examined for the presence of helminthic life stages.

The ability to accurately identify these forms in stool is critical for diagnosing helminth infections, guiding appropriate treatment, and determining the course of disease management. The other options, while related to the health and treatment of the patient, do not pertain to the specific use of fecal floatation and sedimentation in diagnosing helminths.