Stool for Hanging Drop

The hanging drop test for stool is a microscopic method to detect motile intestinal protozoan trophozoites. A fresh saline drop of stool is placed on a coverslip, inverted over a concave slide, and examined immediately at high power to observe characteristic motility (for example Giardia or Entamoeba). It requires fresh specimens and is useful for detecting live organisms but not for ova or fixed forms.

Vibrio cholerae shows a positive hanging-drop test, displaying rapid, darting motility due to its single polar flagellum. The hanging-drop method distinguishes true directional movement from Brownian motion by observing live, unstained organisms in a drop of fluid under a coverslip; V. cholerae’s characteristic comma shape and brisk, directional swimming make the test positive.

Do you mean the "hanger drop test" used in orthopedics/shoulder assessment (a variant of the drop arm test for rotator cuff integrity), or a different context (equipment/fall testing)? Tell me the context and I’ll provide a 50–75 word answer.

The hanging drop test is a microscopy technique to observe live microorganisms’ motility and morphology. A drop of liquid culture is placed on a coverslip, inverted over a depression slide and sealed to prevent evaporation. It preserves natural movement, allowing differentiation of true directional motility from Brownian motion; commonly used for bacteria and protozoa, sometimes with phase-contrast optics.

If a stool test is positive, contact your clinician for interpretation and next steps. They may repeat tests, order blood work or imaging, or refer you for colonoscopy to identify bleeding, infection, inflammation, or parasites. Treatment depends on the cause (antibiotics/antiparasitics, anti‑inflammatories, or procedures). Seek urgent care for severe pain, heavy bleeding, faintness, fever, or rapid weight loss.

Place a small drop of the specimen on a clean coverslip. Apply a thin ring of petroleum jelly or use a concave/depression slide. Invert and lower the coverslip onto the slide so the drop hangs in the cavity without air bubbles. Seal edges to prevent evaporation. Observe immediately under the microscope, starting at low power to find motility, then increase magnification as needed.