Specimen Requirements

Stool

Containers/Tube:

• Clean Empty Vial (white lid, empty)
• Cary Blair Media (green lid)

Specimen Volume:

200 uL (minimum)

Collection Instructions:                                             Patient Stool Collection Instructions

Freshly passed stool, (<2 hours old) should be collected in a clean, dry container prior to initiation of antidiarrheal compounds or antimicrobial therapy.

• Do not collect from the toilet bowl
• Do not use stool contaminated with urine.
• Transfer specimen to all four collection vials immediately.

1. Open the vials containing the liquid.  Using the collection spoon built into the lid of each vial place small scoopfuls of stool sample from areas which appear bloody, slimy or watery into all the vials until the contents rise to the red line.  If the stool is formed (hard), please try to sample small amounts from each end and the middle.
2.  Mix the contents of the vial with the spoon, then twist the cap tightly closed and shake the vials containing preservative vigorously until the contents are well mixed.
3. The clear vial has no liquid in it.  Using the same technique as in #1, fill it with stool to the red line.
4. Check all caps to be certain they are tightly closed.  Store vials at room temperature.
5. Record patient name, identification number, source, date and time of collection and initials of the collector.
6. Maintain and transport the specimen at room temperature (RT) if less than or equal to 24 hours.