Faeces collection for investigation of gastrointestinal infection or faecal elastase/calprotectin/haemoglobin (FOB) assays

Faeces should be transported to the laboratory in a sterile 20ml universal container (blue lid). In order to get the faecal specimen into the container, collect the motion into some newspaper, a cardboard carton or some clingfilm over the toilet. Use the small spatula provided to fill a third of the specimen container, then dispose of the remaining faeces into the toilet. Wash your hands thoroughly after this procedure.

Samples for threadworm demonstration

Details of the ‘sellotape and slide’ procedure for threadworm demonstration can be found in the Microbiology user handbook.