Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Unpreserved stool (Acceptable if collected in last 3 hrs)
Collection Conatiner/Tube: Clean, screw-topped plastic container

Specimen Volume: Representative portion of stool

Specimen Minimum Volume: 5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. If Giardia is suspected after a negative ova and parasitic analysis, a Giardia/Cryptosporidium Antigen, Feces is recommended.

2. See "Microbiology Stool Testing at DCHL" for ordering algorithm.

Specimen Type: Preserved stool

Collection Container/Tube: ParaPak^® EcoFix vial.

Collection Instructions:

1. An appropriate (i.e. bloody, mucoid, watery) area of stool should be selected and sampled with the collection spoon provided in the cap of the container.

2. Sufficient stool is added to bring the liquid level up to the "Fill to Here" line.

3. Agitate the specimen with the spoon along the sides of the container.  Tighten cap and shake firmly.  When mixing is complete, the specimen should appear homogenous.

4.  It is strongly recommended that multiple specimens be submitted for ova and parasite analysis. At least 3 specimens should be collected, 1 to 2 days apart.

5. Fresh stool should be less than 3 hours old, or it needs to be preserved.