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Instructions for Collecting Stool
Samples
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In adults and older children
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Fill out
patient’s name, address, family physician, and symptoms on requisition provided.
Place requisition sheet in the pocket on the carrier bag.
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Label each
container with the person’s name and date of collection first.
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Defecate into a
clean container (disposable plate, plastic margarine tub etc.).
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Using the spoon
attached to the coloured caps (or wooden spoon provided with a parasitology
kit), transfer several spoonfuls of stool, particularly mucus and/or bloody
portions, into each of the specimen containers. Mix thoroughly with the medium
inside the containers.
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Tighten the caps.
Place specimen containers in the carrier bags and seal by removing the blue
adhesive strip.
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Dispose of
remaining stool and collection materials. Wash your hands after handling
collection containers.
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Transport to the
public health laboratory or return to Public Health as soon as possible. If
unable to transport the specimen(s) on the same day as collected, store under
refrigeration until transported.
In infants and toddlers (not
toilet trained)
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Collect stool
(bowel movement) sample from soiled diaper or directly from a potty-chair using
the spoon that is attached to the cap of the containers or with the wooden stick
provided with parasitology kits.
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Place several
spoonfuls of stool, particularly mucus or blood portions, into the collection
container(s).
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Label the
container with the patient’s name and the date the specimen was collected.
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Tighten the caps
and replace in the plastic bag provided. Seal the specimen container in the bag
by removing the blue adhesive strip.
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Dispose of
remaining stool and collection materials. Wash your hands after handling
collection containers.
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Fill out the
patient’s name, address, family physician, and symptoms on the requisition
sheet. Place requisition sheet in the pocket on the carrier bag.
-
Transport to the
public health laboratory or return to Public Health as soon as possible. If
unable to transport specimen on the same day it was collected, store under
refrigeration until transported.
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