Test

Important Collection Notes 

 Specimen Storage

All Tests

•  Accuracy of the test results depends on the accuracy of the specimen collection. Instructions must be followed carefully.
• Do not take specimen (stool) from the toliet bowel.
• Do not contaminate the specimen with water or urine!
• If the doctor has ordered more than one stool sample for collection, then collect these on separate days.

Do not collect multiple samples on the same day - you will be asked to re-collect them.

 C&S - Culture and Senitivity

•  Use collection container with pink fluid and green lid.
• Do not fill past "fill line" marked on the side of the collection container.

 Room Temperature

 O&P - Ova and Parasites

•  Use collection container with clear fluid and red lid.
• Do not fill past "fill line" marked on the side of the collection container.

 Room Temperature

 Clostridium difficile

•  Use sterile collection container without fluid.
• Do not over fill; add 2 to 3 tablespoons of stool sample to the collection container.

Collection container should not be filled more than half full

• Test is only performed on liquid stools.

 Refrigerate

 Stool Leukocytes

•  Use sterile collection container without fluid.
• Do not over fill; add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the watery, blood or slimy portions of stool sample to the collection container.

Collection container should not be filled more than half full.

 Refrigerate

Collection Instructions:

1. Confirm the collection container if labelled correctly with:

• your (the patient) first and last name and
• another identifier such as the date of birth or healthcare number.

Incorrectly or incompetently labelled specimens will not be tested.

2. Wash hands thoroughly.

3. Collect a sample of stool.  There are two different methods to collect a stool sample:
First Method:  Place a newspaper or plastic wrap underneath the toliet seat, but hanging over the water in the toliet.  Do not let water touch the stool sample.
Second Method:  Collect the sample in any clean and dry disposable container (i.e. plastic container, paper plate.)

4. Remove the lid from the collection container and set aside.
Avoid touching the inside of the collection container and lid.

5. Collect specimen, as per method listed in step 3, and then transfer a small portions of the stool in the collection container provided by the laboratory.

• For C&S and O&P use the scoop inside the collection container.
• For C. difficile use disposable spoon, etc.

6. Tightly secure the lid.  Mix C&S and O&P collection container by inverting the collection container 5 to 10 minutes.

7. Wash hands thoroughly.

8. Clearly write collection date and time on the container.

9. Place containers in sealed bag; do not place laboratory requisition in the sealed bag.

10. Deliver the container(s) and lab requisition to the laboratory the same day the collection is finished.  Refer to Important Collection Note for specimen storage requirements.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Laboratory.
For the results of your test, please contact your doctor.