Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Rectal (generally used only in infants)

Container/Tube: Culture transport swab in sterile culture transport tube

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions:

1. Patient should avoid recent antibiotics or X-ray contrast material, antidiarrheal medications, antacids, bismuth, or oil instillation.

2. Pass swab beyond anal sphincter.

3. Rotate swab and withdraw.
4. Return swab to sterile culture transport tube, and crush ampule to ensure specimen preservation.

5. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, specimen source, and date and time of collection.

Stool specimen must arrive in laboratory within 1 hour of collection.

Specimen Type: Stool; fresh, random, or liquid

Container/Tube: Stool container

Specimen Volume: 0.3-2 g

Collection Instructions:

1. Specimen is optimal when obtained early in disease. Three specimens are recommended 24 hours apart unless diarrhea is severe.

2. Patient should avoid recent antibiotics or X-ray contrast material, antidiarrheal medications, antacids, bismuth, or oil instillation.

3. Specimen from bedpan may be unsatisfactory if residual soap, detergent, or disinfectant is left in pan or if contaminated by urine. Also, toilet paper that has been impregnated with bismuth salts may be injurious to organisms in feces.

4. Specimen for culture is not accepted on inpatients after third inpatient day.

5. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, specimen source, and date and time of collection.