Frequently Asked Questions

DO YOU SHIP INTERNATIONALLY?

YES! Our international customers who require payment or special shipping arrangements not available on our website can contact us directly to make arrangements for purchases and delivery. info@FECsource.com

CAN I ORDER OFFLINE?

Sure, just use this printable pdf document to place your order by mail.

DO YOU HAVE SHIPPING OPTIONS OTHER THEN USPS?

YES! We can use any shipping carrier you prefer. Please contact us to make arrangements and get a quote: info@FECsource.com

DO YOU ACCEPT PAYMENT BY CHECK OR WIRE TRANSFER?

YES. Please contact us via email
(info@FECsource.com) OR fax number (503.389.7412) with your payment inquiry or Purchase Order.

I’VE JUST PURCHASED ON YOUR WEBSITE, HOW LONG BEFORE MY ORDER IS PROCESSED?

You should receive shipping information within 24 hrs.

ARE THE SLIDES RE-USABLE? YES.

We recommend caring for your slides as though they were eyewear lenses. We use the strongest, optical acrylic available to make the slides and they are intended to last for use after use. With proper care they will last indefinitely.

HOW DO I CLEAN THE SLIDES?

We have found that warm running water to rinse the chambers will keep the slides from getting cloudy. If your slide begins to collect residue a mild detergent can be used. Drying the slide with a towel will ruin the optical finish. We recommend air-drying the slides. Rinse the slides immediately after each use.

WHAT DOES “TWO-SIDED FIT” MEAN?

Many microscope mechanical stages have a one-side view limitation of the grids. If you have ever used a McMaster slide and had to stop in the middle of your count to take the slide out of the stage and turn it around you know what an inconvenience it is. By simply turning the chambers horizontally on the slide we were able to make the overall slide slightly more narrow allowing it to have a “two sided fit” for viewing the grid. The chambers are exactly the same size with the same fluid capacity, just turned vertically.

HOW IS YOUR SLIDE DIFFERENT?

When we set out to make the best McMaster slide, we solved problems inherent of most McMaster slides on the market. 1. The microscope’s mechanical stages limitations of being able to view the entire grid. 2. Glue between the top piece and the bottom piece, not only does it look messy it can effect the chamber size and trap residue between the pieces 3. Ink durability and clarity.

WILL YOUR INK COME OFF?

NO. We have tested our ink and tired to remove it. We have never had a complaint or a return. Our ink is clear to the naked eye, yet translucent enough to see ova through it under the microscope.

I’VE HEARD THE TERM “MODIFIED McMASTER,” WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

The original McMaster technique has evolved through a series of modifications from the original technique since its initial development in 1939. Today it is often referred to as the Modified McMaster Method or the Modified McMaster Technique. Parasitologists all over the world have experimented with slight variations in technique, such as the solution, or the amount of fecal material. Whether you employ a chemical, salt or sugar flotation solution, the optional use of a centrifuge, the counting method and weight of feces examined are all adaptations used with our McMaster slide.

WHAT ARE THE EXACT MEASUREMENTS OF THE FEC SOURCE MCMASTER SLIDE?

DO I NEED A CENTRIFUGE?

The great thing about the McMaster technique is that you do not need a centrifuge. Anyone with a slide and a microscope can get a quick estimation of the parasite burden in a given animal. If you need a greater sensitivity then 25 epg a centrifuge can be used.

WHAT DOES EPG MEAN?

EPG stands for Eggs Per Gram. The McMaster Slide estimates the number of parasite Eggs per Gram of Feces.

DO YOU OFFER AN OPAQUE SLIDE?

Our ink is so durable that we do not see the benefit of offering an opaque or etched slide.

HOW DO YOU CONDUCT A FEC?

HOW DO YOU CONDUCT A FECRT?

I WORM MY HORSE ON A REGULAR SCHEDULE. ISN’T IT SAFE TO ASSUME THAT I AM REDUCING THE NUMBER OF PARASITES TO A SAFE LEVEL WHEN I FOLLOW A REGIMEN OF REGULAR AND FREQUENT DEWORMING?

We have a limited arsenal of drugs with which to fight these parasites. The widespread practice of worming animals whether they need it or not threatens the efficacy of these drugs over the long term. This practice gives resistant parasites a reproductive advantage over those the succumb to the drug. It can only hasten the development of resistance in the target population of parasites. The McMaster Testing Method is the most economical tool for identifying those animals most in truly need of anthelmintic treatment.