Unstained wet mount (formalin or saline)
By adding 1 drop of fecal specimen on a slide that has been concentrated by sedimentation, and adding a coverslip, Giardia lamblia trophozoites and cysts are seen in the images below. This type of wet mount enables the observer to look for motility of the parasite. Giardia has a tumbling motility, like a leaf falling. Observe at 10x and 40x power, under low light.
iodine wet mount
The iodine wet mount may be performed by adding 1 drop of concentrated specimen to the slide, with 1 drop of iodine, followed by a coverslip. Iodine enables the cell wall and inner characteristics of the ova and trophozoites to stand out, as seen in the images below of Giardia lamblia cysts and trophozoite. Observe at 10x and 40x power, under low light.