Specimen Requirements

Due to testing sensitivity, normal testing frequency is 1 per day. Notify the Laboratory if duplicate testing is clinically necessary.

Fresh specimen must arrive within 1 hour of collection. Specimen submitted using a collection kit must arrive within 30 days.

Submit stool specimen in a clean, leakproof container. Collect specimen as follows:
1. Lift toilet seat, and cover toilet bowl with a large sheet of plastic wrap. Make a depression in plastic wrap. With toilet seat lowered, pass stool specimen directly onto plastic wrap. (Rectal swab is not acceptable.)
2. Alternatively, collect stool specimen in a clean, dry, wide-mouth container. Do not use toilet paper to collect specimen. Do not remove specimen from toilet water.
3. Specimen may also be submitted using a collection kit supplied. Follow instructions accompanying the kit for collection procedure. Only a small amount of specimen is used in test area.

4. Label container with patient’s information, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

5. Forward specimen promptly.
Note:  1. Specimens should not be collected if hematuria or obvious rectal bleeding, such as from hemorrhoids, is present.
2. Premenopausal women should not collect specimens during or in first 3 days after a menstrual period.
3. Maximum storage for fresh specimens is 24 hours refrigerated. Maximum storage for slides collected by patients using kit is 30 days at ambient temperature.