Stool Culture Collection

Important information:

A stool culture tests your child’s stool for bacteria. If bacteria are found, your child may need medicine.

The green vial contains liquid that helps preserve the stool sample. This liquid is poisonous. Keep out of reach of children.

  • If swallowed: Give your child water or milk and call Poison Control at 800-222-1222 right away.

  • If it touches the eyes or skin: Flush the area with cool water immediately.

Patient instructions:

Follow your health care provider’s instructions on when and how many stool samples are needed. 

Collecting the sample

  1. Use a clean, dry container with a tight lid to collect the stool.

    • If you were given a plastic “hat” for collection, place it on the toilet with the rounded side toward the back of the toilet.

    • You can also use a clean container, such as a margarine tub.

    • Another option is to place a large plastic bag over the toilet seat opening.

  2. Keep stool free of urine and toilet water.

  3. If the stool is solid, collect small samples from each end and then the middle.

  4. If the stool looks slimy, bloody, or watery, collect samples from those areas.

  5. For multiple samples, use separate containers as instructed.

Preparing the sample

  1. Open the green vial. It contains liquid to preserve the stool.

  2. Use the spoon attached to the container lid to transfer the stool into the vial. 

  3. Add stool to the container until the liquid reaches the black “FILL LINE” on the label. Do not fill above the line.

  4. Mix the contents with the spoon.

  5. Twist the cap tightly and shake until it is mixed well.

  6. Do not refrigerate the sample.

  7. You must bring the sample to the lab within 72 hours after collection.

Labeling the sample

Write the following on each container:

  • Your child’s first and last name

  • Date of birth or medical record number

  • Date and time the sample was collected (include AM or PM)

  • Name of the person who collected the sample

If you were given a lab slip:

  • Write the date and time each sample was collected.

  • Fold the lab slip and place it in the outer pocket of the biohazard bag.

  • Place the labeled sample container in the center pocket of the biohazard bag. Seal the bag tightly.

Delivering the sample

  1. Deliver the specimen, at room temperature, to the lab within 72 hours of collection. Do not refrigerate the sample.

  2. Place the vial in the biohazard bag and ensure it is tightly sealed.

  3. Return specimens to CHOP lab, Quest or Labcorp during lab business hours. Follow specific lab instructions given when you received the containers

  4. Contact your CHOP healthcare team with questions or concerns.

 

Reviewed January 2025 by Yunika Presson, CPNP