How Should Stool Specimens Be Collected and Handled

For microbiological examination of feces in clinical microbiology diagnostics, patients can directly deposit their stool sample into a sterile plastic container after defecation. Generally, the mucus-containing portions of the stool are most suitable for microbiological testing.

When collecting a rectal specimen, first clean the anal area with soap, water, and 70% alcohol. Then, insert a swab moistened with sterile saline solution or liquid transport medium into the anus, gently rotating it to make contact with the rectal mucosa surface. After withdrawal, place the swab in a transport device containing CultureSwab/Aerobic Transcultswab (for Salmonella) or buffered glycerol saline (for Shigella), and immediately send it to the laboratory. Sometimes, stool samples can also be obtained from gloves used during digital rectal examinations.

For parasitological examination, the stool sample in the sterile plastic container should be promptly delivered to the laboratory so that technicians can examine the still-warm feces immediately. This is particularly important because some parasites, such as amoebas, quickly lose their motility once the stool cools. If immediate examination is not possible, the container with the specimen can be placed in a water bath at around 37°C to maintain warmth for a reasonable period.

When conducting microbiological tests on stool or rectal swab specimens, it's crucial to emphasize rapid transport and inoculation. Any delay may allow non-pathogenic enterobacteria to outgrow pathogenic bacteria, making isolation of pathogens difficult.

Mantacc FB-YT01 Disposable Stool Sample Collection Kit

Widely used for stool sample collection and pre-processing prior to routine, fecal occult blood, microbial, rotavirus and other physicochemical testing.