General Stool Specimen Collection

Instructions for Stool Specimen Collection
Used to test for infection in the intestines

Your provider has ordered a test that requires a stool specimen. Special containers for the stool samples need to be obtained from the laboratory. Pass stool (bowel movement) into a clean, dry container (may be provided). Alternately, place plastic wrap over the toilet bowl and pass stool onto the plastic. Do not allow urine or water to come in contact with the stool specimen.

When returning specimens to the lab and before leaving be sure your container is labeled with your name, Kaiser Permanente medical record number, and the sample collection date and time.

STOOL CULTURE: Yellow Cap (Cary Blair Transport Medium)
CAUTION: The preservative fluid in the vial is POISONOUS.
1.Remove the specimen cap and with the attached spoon, place stool into the vial until the liquid reaches the “Fill Line”.

2. Mash the specimen in the vial until mixed well with the preservative.

3. Replace and tighten the screw cap. Shake the contents until mixed well. Label container with date and time of collection.

4. Return the “filled” vial with any slip(s) the doctor provider gave you to the laboratory receptionist the same day the specimen was collected.

OVA AND PARASITE: (2 vials, pink and green or grey caps) (Para Pak Stool System)
CAUTION: The fluid in the vial(s) is POISONOUS.
1. Remove the specimen cap from one vial. Using the attached spoon, collect some stool specimen, especially from any area that is bloody or slimy. Place stool into the vial until the liquid reaches the “Fill Line”.

2. Mash the specimen in the vial until mixed well with the preservative.

3. Replace and tighten the screw cap. Shake the contents until mixed well. Label container with date and time of collection.

4. Repeat the process using the second vial.

5. Return both “filled” vials with any slip(s) the provider gave you to the laboratory receptionist the same day the specimen was collected.

DIFFICILE OR WBC SMEAR: (white cap) (Sterile Container)
1. Remove the specimen cap from the vial (or cup). Transfer a small amount of stool specimen, especially from any area that is bloody or slimy, to the vial.

2. Replace and tighten the screw cap. Label container with date and time of collection.

3. Return the “filled” vial (or cup), packed on wet ice, with any slip(s) the doctor gave you to the laboratory receptionist within two hours of collection.

Note: Discard any remaining stool.

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