Specimen Requirements

• Container Type: Leakproof plastic container or enteric transport media.
• Specimen Type: Stool, random
• Preferred Volume: Walnut-sized portion; 1 mL
• Collection Procedure: Submit a walnut-size portion of fresh stool in a sterile, leakproof plastic container. If a delay of 2 hours or more is anticipated for the specimen to reach the lab, submit a portion of stool in Enteric 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.
• Stability: Room Temp 2 hours; Refrigerated 24 hours;3 days in transport media 
• Unacceptable Condition: Stool greater than 2 hours at room temperature or greater than 24 hours refrigerated and not in transport media. Stool received in an O & P kit.