Specimen Requirements

Container Type: Sterile container or enteric transport media.
Specimen Type: Fresh stool
Preferred Volume: Walnut-sized portion
Collection Procedure: Submit a walnut-size portion of fresh stool in a clean, leakproof plastic container. If delay of 2 hours or more is anticipated for the specimen to reach the laboratory, submit a portion of stool in transport media. Up to two specimens may be submitted from each patient. Samples must be collected on successive or alternate days. Cultures are not recommended from inpatients that have been in the hospital for 3 or more days.
Specimen Processing: Store and transport at room temperature within 2 hours. Refrigerate up to 24 hours or use enteric transport media up to 3 days.
Required Patient Info: Specimen source.
Stability: Room Temp 2 hours; 3 days in transport media Refrigerated 24 hours
Unacceptable Condition: Specimens over 24 hours old not in transport media. O & P kit.
Limitations: If Yersinia or Vibrio is suspected, please order as separate cultures