Stool Specimen Collection Guide

RT-PLMI: Microbiology Specimen Collection Guidelines & Resources

Stool Specimen Collection Guidelines

For MPA, CPA, & FHCs

Additional information about testing and supplies is available in the Test Directory on the RT-PLMI Intranet.

Last updated August 2023.

Download These Guidelines (.pdf)

Stool Testing Universal Laboratory (STUL) Kit • Oracle #CA50600

Send all (3) kit vials to Main Campus in the white kit return bag. Each will be saved for add-on testing (stability permitting).

EcoFix

Cryptosporidium & Giardia Antigens by EIA (OVAPSC)

Unacceptable

Ova & Parasite Examination (OVAP***)

Preferred

Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Cystoisospora Examination (CRYSPO)

Preferred

Microsporidia Examination (MICSPO)

Preferred

Enteric Bacterial Panel by PCR (STLPCR)

Unacceptable

Clostridium difficile (C. Diff) Toxin by PCR (CDPCR)

Unacceptable

Stool Gastrointestinal Panel by PCR (STGIPI)

Unacceptable

C&S/Cary-Blair

**An EcoFix vial is also needed for reflex CRYSPO test to confirm Cryptosporidium-positive EIAs.

Oracle #1124361 (Vial only)

Cryptosporidium & Giardia Antigens by EIA (OVAPSC)

Preferred**

Ova & Parasite Examination (OVAP***)

Unacceptable

Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Cystoisospora Examination (CRYSPO)

Unacceptable

Microsporidia Examination (MICSPO)

Unacceptable

Enteric Bacterial Panel by PCR (STLPCR)

Preferred
Must be received in 15 mL transport container

Clostridium difficile (C. Diff) Toxin by PCR (CDPCR)

Unacceptable

Stool Gastrointestinal Panel by PCR (STGIPI)

Preferred

Sterile Container*

*When possible, aliquot excess stool into a refrigerated sterile container, an EcoFix vial, and C&S vial.

Oracle #1012787 (Vial only)

Cryptosporidium & Giardia Antigens by EIA (OVAPSC)

Acceptable

Ova & Parasite Examination (OVAP***)

Acceptable

Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Cystoisospora Examination (CRYSPO)

Acceptable

Microsporidia Examination (MICSPO)

Acceptable

Enteric Bacterial Panel by PCR (STLPCR)

Acceptable

Clostridium difficile (C. Diff) Toxin by PCR (CDPCR)

Preferred

Stool Gastrointestinal Panel by PCR (STGIPI)

Unacceptable

Acceptable Alternatives

SAF Fixative

Cryptosporidium & Giardia Antigens by EIA (OVAPSC)

Acceptable

Ova & Parasite Examination (OVAP***)

Acceptable

Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Cystoisospora Examination (CRYSPO)

Acceptable

Microsporidia Examination (MICSPO)

Acceptable

Enteric Bacterial Panel by PCR (STLPCR)

Unacceptable

Clostridium difficile (C. Diff) Toxin by PCR (CDPCR)

Unacceptable

Stool Gastrointestinal Panel by PCR (STGIPI)

Unacceptable

AlcorFix

Cryptosporidium & Giardia Antigens by EIA (OVAPSC)

Unacceptable

Ova & Parasite Examination (OVAP***)

Acceptable

Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Cystoisospora Examination (CRYSPO)

Acceptable

Microsporidia Examination (MICSPO)

Acceptable

Enteric Bacterial Panel by PCR (STLPCR)

Unacceptable

Clostridium difficile (C. Diff) Toxin by PCR (CDPCR)

Unacceptable

Stool Gastrointestinal Panel by PCR (STGIPI)

Unacceptable

ParaPak Stool Kit • Oracle #1439643

LV-PVA Fixative

Cryptosporidium & Giardia Antigens by EIA (OVAPSC)

Unacceptable

Ova & Parasite Examination (OVAP***)

Acceptable

Both LV-PVA + Formalin Vials Required

Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Cystoisospora Examination (CRYSPO)

Unacceptable

Microsporidia Examination (MICSPO)

Unacceptable

Enteric Bacterial Panel by PCR (STLPCR)

Unacceptable

Clostridium difficile (C. Diff) Toxin by PCR (CDPCR)

Unacceptable

Stool Gastrointestinal Panel by PCR (STGIPI)

Unacceptable

10% Formalin

Cryptosporidium & Giardia Antigens by EIA (OVAPSC)

Acceptable

Ova & Parasite Examination (OVAP***)

Acceptable

Both LV-PVA + Formalin Vials Required

Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Cystoisospora Examination (CRYSPO)

Acceptable

Microsporidia Examination (MICSPO)

Acceptable

Enteric Bacterial Panel by PCR (STLPCR)

Unacceptable

Clostridium difficile (C. Diff) Toxin by PCR (CDPCR)

Unacceptable

Stool Gastrointestinal Panel by PCR (STGIPI)

Unacceptable

***OVAP can not identify Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Cystoisospora, and Microsporidia; CRYSPO and MICSPO must be ordered.