Preferred Specimen(s) 10 gm fecal specimen in plastic, leak-proof container
Instructions Do not freeze
Transport Container Plastic, leak-proof feces container
Transport Temperature Room Temperature, stable 48 hours
Reject Criteria Received frozen
Methodology Microscopic Examination
Clinical Significance Stool examination is useful to detect some gastrointestinal parasites and fungal elements. Other tests may be more appropriate to identify and culture bacterial infections.