Test Kit Contents
Start by identifying these elements of your test kit
Before You Start:
If You Require a Laxative If you have difficulty producing a stool sample you may use an oral phosphate soda, magnesium citrate, or psyllium fiber-based laxative 24 hours prior to your planned collection time. Enemas may be given using distilled water only. Do not use suppositories or mineral oil.
Discontinue the following:
2 weeks before test: Antibiotics, antiparasitics, antifungals, or probiotic supplements, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and Bismuth.
2 days before test: Aspirin and other NSAIDs, digestive enzymes, laxatives (particularly mineral oil, castor oil, and glycerin enemas/ suppositories), activated charcoal, betaine HCI, antacids and bentonite clay.
Follow these easy steps on collection day.
- Complete the information on the barcode sticker AND the vial by writing the patient name, date of birth, and collection date. Place the barcode sticker on the vial, ensuring information written on the vials is visible. Use blue or black ink from a ball-point pen – do not use felt-tipped pens or dry-erase markers. Note: Unlabeled samples will be rejected.
- Put on a glove and collect stool sample in collection tray. Do not allow urine or water to touch the sample.
- Using the spoon attached to the vial lid, take multiple samples from different areas of the specimen and add them to the vial. Ensure the specimens reach the fill line. Tighten cap completely.
Preparing the package
- Place the frozen white-topped vial and frozen icepack into the silver thermo bag. Seal the silver thermobag and place in the test kit box.
- Place the yellow and the black topped vials into the plastic biohazard bag. Add the absorbent packing sheet, seal using the zip lock feature.
- Place the sealed biohazard zip-lock bag into the test kit box.
- Put the test kit box in the shipping laboratory pak.
Locate the shipping instruction card included in your test kit for details on how to ship your collection(s).
Samples must be shipped on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday in the US and Monday or Tuesday outside the US. If you complete the collection on the weekend, hold the specimen until Monday to ship.
