○ Stool specimens should not be contaminated with urine, toilet paper or water ○ Specimens in fixative or those that have been frozen are unacceptable
○ Sterile container
○ Collect at least 1 gram of stool directly into sterile container, transfer from bedpan or from plastic wrap stretched over the toilet bowl
Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
PHOL
○ Microscopy: 1 day ○ Culture: Up to 49 days; a positive culture is reported within 24h of growth
416-586-4800 extension 4567
NO
○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.
○ Specimens should be stored at refrigeration temperature (2-8˚C) after collection if transport is delayed more than one hour. Transport to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory ASAP after collection
○ The specimen will be referred to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing