How To Collect a Stool Specimen

• What is the purpose of a stool sample test?
• How do I collect a stool sample?
• Step-by-Step Instructions to Collect the Stool Specimen 
• Drop off locations and hours 
• Hand hygiene 
• Still have questions?

What is the purpose of a stool sample test?

Gastrointestinal illnesses (such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) are common in early childhood and childcare settings. The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) is collaborating with service providers to prevent and control the transmission of illnesses. Understanding which pathogen (germ) is responsible for the sickness is beneficial. Gathering stool samples is the fastest and most effective way to identify the organism causing the illness.

How do I collect a stool sample?

Your childcare provider will provide you with a stool sample kit, which contains the tools you need to collect a stool sample at home. Once the stool sample is collected, ensure the requisition contains your child’s personal information, the date of collection and the outbreak number provided by the childcare centre. It is also important to add your child’s name, the date of birth and the date of collection on the specimen container. See the drop-off locations below. If drop off is not possible, please contact the Eastern Ontario Health Unit at 1-800-267-7120.

For step-by-step instructions on how to collect stool samples, please see below. Alternatively, refer to the instruction sheet included in the stool sample kit. Please verify if the sample kit is within expiry before use.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Collect the Stool Specimen

The kit should contain:

Requisition form

Plastic biohazard bag

2 containers with a scoop attached to the lid

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Complete the highlighted sections of the requisition and place it in the outer pocket of the plastic bag.
   1. Health card number
   2. Name
   3. Date of birth
   4. Sex
   5. Address
   6. Phone number
   7. Outbreak number
   8. Date collected
   9. Symptom onset

2. Label each container with the name of the person providing the sample, the date of birth (DOB), and the date of collection.

3. Collect the stool sample

• To collect the stool sample, use a clean, dry surface. You may use a clean plastic wrap placed over the toilet seat, a clean container or collect directly from a diaper. In either case, the stool must not be mixed with urine or any other liquid.
• Attention: One of the containers contains a preservative liquid (SODIUM ACETATE FORMALIN – SAF). This is a toxic substance. Keep it out of reach of children.  If it comes into contact with your skin or eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water. If drunk, contact the Ontario Poison Centre (OPC) immediately at 1-800-268-9017, they are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in any language.

• First: Fill the CONTAINER WITHOUT PRESERVATIVE LIQUID (White cap)
  • Use the scoop attached to the lid to collect the stool specimen. Add the stool until it reaches the fill line marked on the container. DO NOT OVERFILL.

• Second: Fill the CONTAINER WITH PRESERVATIVE LIQUID (Green and/or Yellow cap)
  • DO NOT POUR OUT THE PRESERVATIVE LIQUID. Add the stool sample TO THE LIQUID until it reaches the fill line marked on the container and stir thoroughly using the scoop attached to the lid. DO NOT OVERFILL.

4. Tightly screw the lid onto the container. Ensure that the scoop remains attached to the lid and that the outside of the container is clean.

5. Wash your hands thoroughly immediately after collection.

6. Place the containers in the plastic bag and remove the plastic film to seal it securely.

7. Deliver the sample to the location specified by the public health staff. If you are unable to deliver it immediately, contact the health unit and keep the sample refrigerated until it can be delivered.

Hand hygiene

During the collection of a stool sample, proper handwashing practices are one of the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of disease. Hand hygiene involves using soap and water to wash your hands or using an alcohol-based hand rub to sanitize them. Visibly soiled hands should be washed with soap and water.

Still have questions?

Reach out to your childcare and early years program provider should you have inquiries or need further explanation. You may also get in touch with the EOHU for additional details, if necessary.