Microscopic detection of worm eggs in fecal specimens requires preservation if the examination cannot be performed immediately. Formalin is widely used as a preservative, but its effectiveness at different concentrations in maintaining the integrity of worm eggs remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effect of varying concentrations of formalin on the development of Ascaris lumbricoides eggs in preserved stool specimens. This study used a pure experimental design with a randomized posttest-only control group. Twenty-four faecal specimens containing Ascaris lumbricoides eggs were treated with formalin at concentrations of 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%, and one control group without formalin. Samples were determined using purposive sampling techniques. Egg development was observed microscopically after preservation, and the data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance. The results showed no statistically significant differences in egg development between all formalin treatment groups and the control group. These findings indicate that increasing formalin concentration does not enhance its effectiveness in inhibiting the development of Ascaris lumbricoides eggs. The commonly used formalin concentration may not be optimal for preserving fecal specimens intended for detailed morphological assessment of eggs, highlighting the need for alternative preservation strategies in routine diagnostic practice.
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