Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube:  Screw-capped, clean, leakproof container.

Specimen:  Liquid or soft unformed fresh stool.  Only one specimen will be accepted for testing per 7 days.

Unacceptable Specimens: 

• Rectal swabs
• Formed stool
• Stools in preservative
• Performance characteristics are not established for patients less than 2 years of age.

Transport to the lab:  As soon as possible.  If transport is delayed, refrigerate specimen at 2-8°C.

Note:  Label container with patient's full name and 1 additional unique patient identifier such as date of birth, medical record number, emergency ID number, or financial number, date and time of collection, and collector's initials.