Observe the Collection and Transport Procedures for All Types of Stool Collection of this chapter.

Collect the entire stool sample and transfer it to a clean container using a clean tongue blade or similar object. A 2.5-cm-long (1-inch) sample or 64.7 mg (1 oz) of liquid stool may be sufficient for some tests.

For best results, cover specimens and deliver to the laboratory immediately after collection. Depending on the examination to be performed, the specimen should be either refrigerated or kept warm. Contact the laboratory for detailed instructions concerning the temperature of stool specimen before collection is begun to avoid delay once the specimen is obtained.