- Collect stool specimens before taking antibiotics.
- For infants: Line the back half of the diaper with plastic wrap. The skin should be cleansed of any powder or lotions.
- The stool specimen should be passed directly to a clean, dry, wide mouthed container.
- Portion of stool with blood, mucus, or pus is preferred.
- Stool must not be contaminated with urine or toilet water.
- Submit in a leak proof plastic container, preferably provided by the laboratory.
- Do not submit specimen in matchbox or any other absorbent material.
- Deliver the specimen to the laboratory as soon as possible, preferably within 30 minutes for Vibrio cholerae testing by hanging drop, for an accurate report.
- Deliver the specimen to the laboratory as soon as possible, preferably within 2 hours for culture testing.
Reject Specimens:
Specimen will be rejected if:
- There is a leakage or gross contamination on the outside of the container.
- There is obvious contamination with urine, toilet water or toilet paper.
- Specimens that are not brought in within the recommended time will require repeat collection.