*** FOR INPATIENTS AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT PATIENTS, REFER TO GASTROINTESTINAL PATHOGEN PANEL (GI PANEL) ***

Stool/Feces 

"FOR OUTPATIENTS HAVE THE PATIENT COLLECT THE SAMPLE AND TRANSFER INTO CARY BLAIR IMMEDIATELY"

Collect no more than 3 specimens for culture (1 per 24-hour period).
The specimen source is required on the request form for processing.

Specify on the request form if these pathogens are suspected:

1. Vibrio
2. Yersinia
3. Aeromonas

4. Plesiomonas
   
   Stool in Cary Blair:

   1. Collect and Transfer Sample: Using the spoon integrated into the underside of the Cary Blair container lid, transfer stool to the Cary Blair container until the fill line is reached.  Focus on bloody, slimy, or watery areas.  Do not fill past the fill line.
   2. Mix Sample: Mash and mix the stool in the vial to disperse it evenly, if needed.
   3. Shake Vial: Shake the vial until the sample is mixed well.
   4. Label and Send: Apply a printed label with the patient’s full name, date of birth, identification number, date and time of collection.  Write the initials of the person collecting the specimen, and the specimen source on the label.  Send it to the lab at room temperature within 1 hour.

Alternative collection Method – Fecal Swab:
1. Labeling of Fecal Swab: Label FecalSwab with the patient’s full name, date of birth, identification number, date and time of collection, initials of the person collecting the specimen, and the specimen source.
2. Kit Contents: Each kit has a swab and tube with 2 mL of medium.  Use after collecting stool in a clean container without urine or water.
3.Open Kit: Open the pouch and remove the swab without touching the tip.  Hold the swab above the marked breakpoint.
4. Diapered patients: If the patient wears a diaper; apply a ruine bag and wash the rectal area with soap and warm water to reduce contamination risk.
5. Collect Sample: Insert the swab tip into the stool and rotate. Focus on bloody, slimy, or watery areas.
6. Check Swab: Ensure stool is visible on the swab tip.  If not, repeat the collection.
7. Transfer Sample: Place the swab in the tube, ensuring the sample doesn’t exceed the “MAX FILL” line.  If it does, discard and use a new kit.
8. Mix Sample: Mash and mix the stool in the tube to disperse it evenly.
9. Break Swab: Hold the tube away from your face and ben the swab to break it at the marked point.
10. Remove Shaft: Twist and remove the broken part of the swab shaft.  Tighten the cap.
11. Shake Tube: Shake the tube until the sample is mixed well.

View patient stool collection instructions (PDF).

Stool in sterile cups only.
This test will not be performed for routine bacterial culture at > 72 hours post inpatient admission.

87045 - Culture Stool (Salmonella, Shigella) (EAP 30060880)
87046 - Culture Additional Organism (Escherichia coli O157:H7) (EAP 30060170)
87046 - If additional pathogens requested
87077 - Identification (if appropriate)
87184 - Susceptibility studies, disk method (if appropriate)
87186 - Susceptibility studies, microdilution or agar dilution (if appropriate)
87899 - Campylobacter (EAP 30065416)
87899 - Shigatoxin One (EAP 30065425)
87899 - Shigatoxin Two (EAP 30065430)