PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLECTING STOOL SPECIMENS
Your doctor wants to perform a stool study. This test is performed by an outside reference laboratory and requires a sample of your stool. You will be given a sterile sample cup in which to collect the stool. You may collect it in the privacy of your own home and transport the sample back to us. if the sample cannot be brought back immediately, the stool specimen must be kept cold (in a cooler with an ice pack).
A convenient way to collect the stool is to place a newspaper in the commode before defecating. The newspaper keeps the sample floating, making it easier to access. Use a device such as a tongue depressor (which we provide) to scoop the stool into the cup. Please provide as much sample as possible. Seal the cup. Wad up the newspaper and discard (do not flush the newspaper). We can also provide you with nonsterile gloves if you desire.
When you return to our office with the sample, please make sure your name is on the cup and hand it to one of the laboratory staff. We will order the required tests and prepare it for sending out to our reference lab. The results should be available in 5-7 working days. The doctor will review the results and determine further actions if needed.
Thank you
