Faeces Collection
Microscopy & Culture

Faeces/Stool Microscopy, Faeces/Stool Culture (MC&S), Ova, Cysts and Parasites (OCP), C. difficile/Toxin, Faecal PCR, Faecal Multiplex.

• 1x Brown-top Container
  Available from any Clinical Labs collection centre or your doctor.

A fresh faecal specimen is to be collected in the faecal specimen container. The minimum amount required is approximately 1g (about the size of a walnut).

• Specimens collected into toilet paper or absorbent nappies are unsuitable.
• If the doctor has not noted your clinical history, the collector will need to ask if you have recently travelled, eaten shellfish or taken antibiotics.

• Collect a faecal specimen (a bowel motion about the size of a walnut) and transfer it into the faecal specimen Brown-top container provided. The sample can be passed into a separate clean container, such as a plastic ice cream container, and then scraped into the sterile faecal specimen container using the scoop attached to the lid.
• Write your surname, first given name, date of birth and the date/time of collection on the container label.
• Deliver the sample and accompanying request form to the nearest Australian Clinical Labs collection centre or laboratory within four (4) hours of collection.
• Please note: If you are unable to deliver the sample within two (2) hours of collection, it is important to keep the sample refrigerated (do not freeze) until delivery.
• Collection staff will check your details (surname, first given name, date of birth and date/time of collection on the container label) against the pathology request form to ensure the sample is matched to the doctor’s request. This is done to ensure the safety and security of the reporting of your results.

Note: Medicare reimbursement is limited to one test only for microscopy and culture in any 7-day period. A separately collected specimen for ova, cysts and parasites only, collected in the same 7-day period as the specimen for microscopy and culture, is Medicare rebatable. If your doctor requires further testing, a new referral and specimen is required.

Download Instructions