Step 1:
Wash hands thoroughly.
Step 2:
Urinate before collecting stool sample.
Do not urinate while passing the stool.
Step 3:
Pass stool into an orange cap sterile cup, or you may tape plastic wrap to the toilet seat. If you are experiencing diarrhea, placing plastic wrap to the toilet may make the collection process easier.
Do not pass the specimen into the toilet or directly into the specimen collection vial.
Do not mix urine or water with the sample.
Step 4:
Open the vial(s) carefully. Using the collection spoon attached to the cap, add enough specimen until the liquid reaches the arrow on the label. Fill only one specimen collection vial at a time and replace the cap onto the same vial.
Important Note: Sample areas of the specimen which appear bloody, slimy or watery. If the stool is hard, sample from each end and the middle of the specimen.
Do not mix caps. If you are using an orange cap sterile cup, fill to one-half full with stool specimen.
Step 5:
Mix the contents of the vial using the collection spoon.
Replace the cap tightly, then agitate the tube vigorously to mix.
Step 6:
Wash hands thoroughly.
Step 7:
Fill in the information on the vial label(s):
a) Patient name and date of birth.
b) Date and time specimen was collected. Example: 2/8/22, 8:15 a.m.
c) Specimen number, if more than one specimen was collected. Example: No. 1, No. 2, No. 3
d) Check the appropriate box for specimen description.
Step 8:
Make sure the vial(s) are closed tightly. Place the vial(s) in the original package and seal. If an orange cap sterile cup was used, refrigerate specimen and deliver to laboratory within 12 hours. All other vials must be returned to laboratory within 1 day of collection.