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How Soon After Defecation Should Stool Be Given For Testing?

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Posted on Mon, 20 Jul 2015
Twitter Mon, 20 Jul 2015 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 10 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on
Question : I have taken a poo sample how quickly do I need to take it to the hospital lab is there such an 'expiry' date or can I take it whenever
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Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
They have to be taken to the lab as soon as possible

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

unfortunately stool and urine samples may develop many bacteria if left out of the fridge. If you can't get it to the lab right away then the next best thing is to put it in the fridge but for no more than 24 hours and take it as soon as possible.
The best and more credible results are expected when the sample was taken to the lab immediately.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3815 Questions

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How Soon After Defecation Should Stool Be Given For Testing?

Brief Answer: They have to be taken to the lab as soon as possible Detailed Answer: Hello, unfortunately stool and urine samples may develop many bacteria if left out of the fridge. If you can't get it to the lab right away then the next best thing is to put it in the fridge but for no more than 24 hours and take it as soon as possible. The best and more credible results are expected when the sample was taken to the lab immediately. Kind Regards!