Routine Bacterial Stool Culture

1. Submit a walnut-size (about 2 Tbsp liquid) portion of fresh stool in a clean, leak-proof container.
2. If a delay of 2 hours or more for the specimen to reach the laboratory is anticipated, submit a portion of stool in a CaryBlair® transport tube or enteric transport media.
3. Refrigerate the specimen if transport exceeds 2 hours.

Ova and Parasites

1. Submit a walnut-size (about 2 Tbsp liquid) portion of fresh stool in a clean, leak-proof container.
2. Multiple specimens for ova and parasites must be collected at least 24 hours apart, and each must be submitted immediately after collection or transported in a preservative (supplied by PLS).
3. Specimens may be refrigerated.
4. If amoebic dysentery is suspected, transport to lab IMMEDIATELY at room temperature.

Clostridium difficile Toxin or Rotavirus

1. Submit a walnut-size (pea-size is acceptable for rotavirus) portion of fresh stool in a clean, leak-proof container.
2. Refrigerate the specimen.

Routine Viral Stool Culture

1. Submit a walnut-size (about 2 Tbsp liquid) portion of fresh stool in a clean, leak-proof container.
2. Refrigerate the specimen.
3. If a delay of 2 hours or more for the specimen to reach the laboratory is anticipated, collect a small amount of stool on a Dacron® swab and send in viral transport media (VTM).
4. A rectal swab in VTM is the preferred specimen for enteric virus cultures.