Specimen Requirements

Container Type: 10% formalin Stool Transport Vial

Specimen Type: Stool

Preferred Volume:  5 mL of stool (Enough to bring total volume past fill line indicated on vial)

Emergency Minimum Volume: removing enough media to ensure that there is a 1:4 volume ratio of stool to media in the vial

Stability: Formalin preserved specimens can be stored frozen (-20 or -70 C), refrigerated (2-8 C) or at room temperature (20-30 C) and should be tested within two months after collection. 

Unacceptable Condition:  Fresh stool specimens must be put into 10% Formalin vial within two hours of collection or they will be rejected.