Comprehensive Stool Analysis - Collection Instructions

Preparation Before Collection

1. Dietary Recommendations
   • Do: Eat high-fiber foods to produce soft stool (e.g., fruits, vegetables, whole grains).
   • Avoid: Dark-colored foods or drinks such as red meat, spinach, coffee, red wine, or dark juices for several days before collecting your sample.
   • Aim for lighter-colored stools to enhance test accuracy.
2. Medication Restrictions
   • Avoid collecting samples within two weeks of stopping antibiotics, antiparasitics, antimalarials, probiotics, or medications like Pepto-Bismol.
   • Do not use castor oil liquid petrolatum or undergo radiological exams involving barium sulfate before collection.
   • Consult your physician before altering or discontinuing medications.
3. Handling Precautions
   • Each specimen is a potential source of infection. Always use gloves and follow hygiene practices.
   • Avoid contact with the vial preservative. If it touches the skin or eyes, rinse thoroughly with water for 15 minutes. If swallowed, drink water and seek medical attention.
   • The preservative is non-toxic to the environment but can irritate skin and eyes.
4. For Constipation
   • To produce a soft specimen, use non-absorbable high-fiber or herbal laxatives (e.g., Miralax). Avoid laxatives with antiparasitic or anti-infective ingredients.