Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube: Tightly-sealing, leakproof container(s)

Specimen Volume: >0.5 mL of fresh, unpreserved stool from a random collection

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect fresh, unpreserved stool in an airtight container.
2. If specimen is collected in a bedpan or collection “hat,” patient should urinate into another container before stool specimen is collected.
3. Specimens should be stored either between 2-8° C or at room temperature from up to 2 weeks from the time of collection.

Note:

1. Do not collect specimen from toilet.
2. Specimen in diaper is not acceptable. Stool material should be scraped into a clean, dry container. Pediatric patients with severe diarrhea may use a U-Bag collection system. Place U-Bag over urethra to prevent urine from contaminating specimen.

3. The following specimens will not be tested:
     A. Stool >2 weeks old
     B. Contaminated with water or urine

     C. Fecal samples from breast-fed infants should not be used with this assay.

     D. May not be appropriate for immunocompromised persons.