HOW TO TEST YOURSELF
compare. In real life, they vary so much in shape and size that
absolute identification is difficult without experience. Unfortu-
nately in a few hours, just as you are getting proficient, your
magnificent specimens will be drying out and unfit for obser-
vation. To preserve them longer you can seal the edges by
painting around the coverslip with fingernail clear enamel. Or
dribble hot sealing wax along the edges and then place them in
sealed plastic bags (one per bag). Melt sealing wax in a metal
jar lid. Make an applicator from a piece of coat hanger wire
bent in the shape of a small square to fit around the coverslip
and a handle.
Or take photographs. To take pictures of what you see under
the microscope you will need a photomicrographic camera,
which costs $200.00 and up (see Sources). It is easy to use.
Remember to label your pictures so you know which slide they
came from.
Even photographs do not scientifically prove identity of
parasite stages, but it is very good evidence. Proof would re-
quire that the saliva or urine sample could be cultured and seen
to produce the known parasite stages. Hopefully, this will soon
be done.