Stool: Minimum 5 grams, fresh (Important Note: 3 stool samples collected 2-3 days apart is recommended for optimal parasite detection)

CSF: Minimum 5 mL (Note: CSF specimens for Naegleria and Acanthamoeba are forwarded directly to Copley Lab STAT. An aliquot of the CSF also needs to be sent to SDPH via a STAT courier directly from the hospital lab.) 

Rectal biopsy: Call lab for collection requirements. Biopsies: The Histology department processes this material. Submit specimens in 10% formalin.

Sigmoidoscopy: Entire specimen

Duodenal aspirate: Entire specimen

Liver aspirate: Both portions (first yellowish-white aspirate, second reddish aspirate)

Sputum: Minimum 5.0 mL expectorated sputum

Urine: Midday clean catch or 24 hour collection
 

Container Type: Black Top Total Fix Vial
For Outreach: Patients are instructed to place fresh stool samples into Total Fix vial as soon as possible.

Unacceptable Specimens:

• Stool samples mixed with urine, dirt, or water
• Random urine specimens held over 24 hours
• Specimens collected on a swab
• Refrigerated specimens

Interfering substances:

• barium
• bismuth
• mineral oil
• laxatives
• antibiotics

Fresh liquid stool to laboratory within 30 minutes of passage or place immediately into Total Fix.
Fresh formed stool to laboratory within one hour passage or place immediately into Total Fix.
All other specimens to be transported to the laboratory within 1 hour of collection.