Instructions for stool collection
If your physician has ordered tests that need to be performed on stool samples, these tests may need to be collected over a period of several days.
Dominican Hospital's laboratory has prepared kits for your convenience for each separate day. Please follow the instructions below carefully for collecting samples.
Note: The vials provided for you may contain liquids which are hazardous. Do not spill the contents of the vial on your skin. Keep away from children.
The stool sample may be obtained by placing the convenient collection filter provided across the toilet seat. Plastic kitchen wrap may also be used.
Each vial has a collection spoon attached to the inside of the cap. Use the spoon to place a small sample of stool into the vial until the liquid raises up to the red line. Secure the cap tightly, then write your name, the date of collection, and the time of collection on the vial.
Place the vial into the plastic bag provided and return to the laboratory. The liquid in each vial serves as a preservative, therefore you may return the samples within five days of collection. IMPORTANT: Thoroughly mix the specimen with the liquid in each vial.
If samples are to be collected over a period of a few days, you may wait until the last sample is collected, then bring them all in together (unless you are directed to do otherwise). Do not collect all of the samples on the same day. There should be at least 24 hours between each collection day.
Samples which you collect in a plain container with no liquid need to be returned to the lab within two hours of collection. Special instructions will be given to you separately for these collections.
