eSwab or cup without preservatives
Swab or Stool
2 mL
Specification After Draw (Handling & Transport)
Volume: Collect a sufficient amount, generally about 0.5 to 1 gram of solid stool or 0.5 to 5 mL of liquid stool.
Storage:
Prompt transport is critical. The specimen should be brought to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection.
Refrigeration is generally required if transport is delayed. Store the sample at 2-8°C (refrigerated) if it cannot be delivered within the specified time frame (typically 2 to 24 hours, depending on the lab’s specific protocol).
Freezing: If a delay of more than 72 hours is anticipated, the specimen should be frozen at -20°C or lower (some sources specify -70°C).
Processing: Tightly close the container cap and place it in a sealed plastic biohazard bag. The lab requisition should be placed in the outside pocket of the bag.
REFRIGERATED
Collect 2 mL liquid stool or 2 g semiformed stool
Mon-Sat
A day after collection
qPCR
Molecular
RML
H. pylori
Test
Interference
Medications: False negative results can occur in patients taking certain medications. Patients should discontinue the following prior to specimen collection, as advised by their healthcare provider:
Antibiotics (wait at least 14 days after completion of therapy).
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (e.g., Omeprazole, Esomeprazole; wait at least 14 days).
Bismuth preparations (e.g., Pepto-Bismol; wait at least 14 days).
Specimen Contamination: The sample must not be contaminated with urine, water from the toilet bowl, toilet paper, or other substances (e.g., lotions or powders if collected from an infant’s diaper area).
Unacceptable Specimens: Stool in transport media or preservatives (like formalin, polyvinyl alcohol) not specifically provided by the lab for this test is generally not acceptable for PCR testing.
Miscellaneous Instruction to Collector
Patient Preparation: Advise the patient to avoid interfering medications as directed by their physician.
Collection Procedure:
*Collect the stool into a clean, dry device (e.g., a clean bedpan, plastic wrap over the toilet seat, or a wide-mouth container) do not pass stool directly into the toilet.
*Use the spoon attached to the collection container lid to transfer small scoops of stool, taking samples from different areas, especially bloody, slimy, or watery sections if present.
*Mix the contents thoroughly if the container has preservative liquid.
Labeling: Label the container with the patient’s full name, date of birth, date and time of collection, and the collector’s initials.
Safety: The liquid in some collection vials may be an irritant or flammable; handle with care and keep out of reach of children and pets. Wash hands thoroughly after handling the specimen.
87798
17780-8
