Stool
5 g
Specification After Draw (Collection Instructions for Collector)
Collect safely: The patient should defecate into a clean, dry collection device (not the toilet bowl, which can contaminate with water/urine).
Transfer quickly: A portion of the fresh stool must be transferred into the transport vial containing the preservative fluid within 30 minutes of collection.
Fill to the line: Use the provided spoon to add stool to the vial until the liquid level reaches the “”fill to here”” line indicated on the label (approximately 1 gram of solid stool or 5 mL of liquid stool).
Mix thoroughly: Secure the cap tightly and shake the vial vigorously to ensure the specimen is completely emulsified and well-mixed with the preservative.
Label correctly: Label the container with the patient’s full name, date of birth, date, and actual time of collection.
Multiple samples: If multiple O&P tests are requested, collect at least three separate specimens on different days (e.g., every other day), as parasites may be shed intermittently.
Dry specimen,
Specimen contaminated with oil, barium or urine,
Multiple specimens (more than one in 24 hours),
Delayed transport (greater than 2 hours) of unpreserved or un-refrigerated specimen,
Frozen samples,
Rectal swab,
Samples collected in bags or diapers
Sun-Sat
Next day
Stain and microscopic analysis
Molecular
Ova and Parasite exam
Test
Interfering Substances: Stool specimens are unsatisfactory if contaminated with urine, water, or toilet paper. Certain substances and medications can interfere with the test results, so collection should be delayed after administration of:
Barium or bismuth (wait 7-10 days).
Antacids, mineral oil, castor oil, or other oily laxatives.
Antidiarrheal preparations.
Antimicrobial agents (wait 2-3 weeks).
Miscellaneous Instructions to Collector:
Use appropriate PPE and follow standard precautions during stool collection.
Ensure sufficient sample (5–10 grams or 5 mL) is collected without overfilling the container.
Verify the container is tightly sealed and accurately labeled.
Deliver the specimen to the laboratory within 2 hours of collection to maintain test integrity.
Document collection date/time in the requisition
43227-8
