Stool Culture

• Isolate or specimen submission required.
• Contact CEDEP if a foodborne outbreak is suspected.
• Contact the Bioterrorism Laboratory before submission if a select agent may be suspected.

• Medications: Do not use barium or bismuth before collection of specimen.

• Acceptable Specimen Sources/Type(s) for Submission:  

- Stool in C & S culture transport media (i.e. ParaPak), semisolid or liquid

transport media (i.e. Cary Blair or Amies), or commercially available

transport system specific for recovery of enteric pathogens from fecal

specimens

• See Stool Collection Quick Guide

• Specimen should be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers along with specimen source and match accompanying test order.

• See Stool Collection Quick Guide
• Stool in transport vials should arrive at the lab within 4 days of collection.
  

• Stool specimens should be stored at 2-30°C and arrive at the laboratory within 4 days of specimen collection. If possible, refrigerate at 2-8°C.

• Ship specimens in appropriate transport media at  2-30°C. If possible, maintain at 2 - 8°C.
• All infectious substance shipments must conform to U.S. Department of Transportation(DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR 49 C.F.R. Parts 171-180).

• Specimens that do not adhere to all specimen requirements will be rejected.

• Nashville