Health Topics

• Collect the stool in a clean container.
• The amount of stool needed is about the size of a quarter.
• Bring the stool to the laboratory as soon as possible. If the specimen is collected at night, refrigerate and bring in the next day.
• Try to keep urine out of the stool you are collecting.
• Stool must be liquid, for example, it must take the shape of the container. Hard or solid stool is unacceptable.
• The laboratory cannot accept stool in a diaper.

Potty-trained child

• Use a collection hat (available from the lab at Cincinnati Children’s)
• Place plastic wrap under the toilet seat
• Always use a clean container for collecting stool

Child in diapers

• Use a plastic baggie with adhesive (available from the lab at Cincinnati Children’s)
• Put disposable diaper on with the plastic side next to infant
• Place plastic wrap on the inside of the diaper
• Keep all plastic wraps out of the child’s reach

Call your provider if you are having trouble getting the stool for testing.