Stool Collection Devices

Microbiology Specimen Collection & Transport Guide

Stool Collection Devices

Specimens are only acceptable for processing when they are collected and submitted to our laboratories appropriately.

If you have questions regarding the type of container to use for a particular test or specimen, refer to the specimen requirements outlined in the Test Directory.

For assistance or more details regarding the information provided, please contact Client Services. Last updated December 2023.

Download These Guidelines (.pdf)

Specimen Collection & Transport

Stool Testing Universal Laboratory (STUL) Kit

Send all (3) kit vials to the laboratory in a biohazard bag or the kit’s white bag. Vials must include two patient identifiers. Vials will be saved for add-on testing (stability permitting).

EcoFix

C&S/Cary-Blair

Sterile Container*

Accepted Alternatives

LV-PVA Fixative

10% Formalin

SAF Fixative

AlcorFix

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

Cryptosporidium & Giardia Antigens by EIA (OVAPSC)

EcoFix

C&S/Cary-Blair

Sterile Container

LV-PVA Fixative

10% Formalin

SAF Fixative

AlcorFix

An Ecofix vial (left) is needed for reflex CRYSPO confirmatory testing.

Ova & Parasite Examination (OVAP)

EcoFix

C&S/Cary-Blair

Sterile Container

LV-PVA Fixative + 10% Formalin

Both LV-PVA + Formalin Vials are required

SAF Fixative

AlcorFix

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

Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Cystoisospora Examination (CRYSPO)

EcoFix

C&S/Cary-Blair

Sterile Container

LV-PVA Fixative

10% Formalin

SAF Fixative

AlcorFix

Microsporidia Examination (MICSPO)

EcoFix

C&S/Cary-Blair

Sterile Container

LV-PVA Fixative

10% Formalin

SAF Fixative

AlcorFix

Enteric Bacterial Panel by PCR (STLPCR)

EcoFix

C&S/Cary-Blair

Sterile Container

LV-PVA Fixative

10% Formalin

SAF Fixative

AlcorFix

Send in a 15 mL transport container

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

EcoFix

C&S/Cary-Blair

Sterile Container

LV-PVA Fixative

10% Formalin

SAF Fixative

AlcorFix

Stool Gastrointestinal Panel by PCR (STGIPI)

EcoFix

C&S/Cary-Blair

Sterile Container

LV-PVA Fixative

10% Formalin

SAF Fixative

AlcorFix

Helicobacter pylori Antigen by EIA, Stool (HPYLAG)

EcoFix

C&S/Cary-Blair

Sterile Container

LV-PVA Fixative

10% Formalin

SAF Fixative

AlcorFix

Rotavirus Antigen Detection (EROTA)

EcoFix

C&S/Cary-Blair

Sterile Container

LV-PVA Fixative

10% Formalin

SAF Fixative

AlcorFix

Fecal Lactoferrin (FECWBC)

EcoFix

C&S/Cary-Blair

Sterile Container

LV-PVA Fixative

10% Formalin

SAF Fixative

AlcorFix