White-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus, from central Pennsylvania were examined for helminth parasites by regular autopsy procedures supplemented by a direct centrifugal flotation technique. The two methods were compared and evaluated for suitability in diagnosis and survey work. The reliability and repeatability of the flotation method were studied.

Prevalence of most nematodes encountered was increased as a direct result of supplementing autopsy routines with microscopic examination of fecal pellets by the DCF technique. The DCF technique was especially advantageous when dealing with small cryptic forms such as Ostertagia sp. and Capillaria sp.