Instructions for Collecting Stool Samples

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In adults and older children

 

  1. Fill out patient’s name, address, family physician, and symptoms on requisition provided. Place requisition sheet in the pocket on the carrier bag.
     

  2. Label each container with the person’s name and date of collection first.
     

  3. Defecate into a clean container (disposable plate, plastic margarine tub etc.).
     

  4. 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.
     

  5. Tighten the caps. Place specimen containers in the carrier bags and seal by removing the blue adhesive strip.
     

  6. Dispose of remaining stool and collection materials. Wash your hands after handling collection containers.
     

  7. 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)

 

  1. 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.
     

  2. Place several spoonfuls of stool, particularly mucus or blood portions, into the collection container(s).
     

  3. Label the container with the patient’s name and the date the specimen was collected.
     

  4. Tighten the caps and replace in the plastic bag provided. Seal the specimen container in the bag by removing the blue adhesive strip.
     

  5. Dispose of remaining stool and collection materials. Wash your hands after handling collection containers.
     

  6. 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.
     

  7. 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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We work with the Grey Bruce community to protect and promote health

 
 

Main Office:

Grey Bruce Health Unit

101 17th Street East,

Owen Sound, ON

N4K 0A5

 

Walkerton Office:

Grey Bruce Health Unit

30 Park Street / Box 248

Walkerton, ON

N0G 2V0

 

Phone: 519-376-9420 or
1-800-263-3456