facal exam- question

Hi,

I'm having Neelix tested for parasites & the lab have asked me to collect 3 poops. The collection cup came today but I'm not sure he will produce 3 poos before we go away on Monday. How long with the sample remain viable? We're back on Wedsnesday, so that would be a 2 day gap before we post it, so the oldest poop would be 5 days old.

lysinlight87 said:

Hi,

I'm having Neelix tested for parasites & the lab have asked me to collect 3 poops. The collection cup came today but I'm not sure he will produce 3 poos before we go away on Monday. How long with the sample remain viable? We're back on Wedsnesday, so that would be a 2 day gap before we post it, so the oldest poop would be 5 days old.

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You can't really control how MANY samples you'll be able to get but the fresher they are the better. If you refrigerate the ones you get it will help. Don't freeze them.

The lab asked that I don't refridgerate the samples? They just said keep it in a cool, dry place, like a cupboard. Maybe I should just post what I have on Monday.

They don't want it refrigerated? Then according to all the info with my microscope, it will be of no use in 24 hours. I would take new newest sample you have. Just keep each sample until you get a new one them toss the old one and start again. That is what I would do. I might also call and ask why they want 3 samples and why unrefrigerated samples.

These are the instructions I received.

"For all of the above tests, we require a 3 day pooled faeces sample as this increases our chances of finding any parasites, which can be intermittently shed. A pooled sample is faeces collected over a 3 day period and placed in to the same sterile container. Please do not collect urates, this is the white part, wherever possible. If the sample looks as if it may dry out add ‘a few’ drops of cooled boiled water to keep it moist. It is possible to do a combined sample if you have numerous animals kept in one vivarium. The faeces sample MUST NOT be kept in a fridge, but in a cool place until ready for sending to the laboratory. Sterile containers, submission forms etc. are
available from the laboratory upon request."

Well I know when I needed to get my guys tested, I put them in the fridge after I collected them, before I could take them to the vets.

and one still tested posi for coccidia. so not sure why they say dont refridgerate.

Another of my random thoughts. maybe they feel if some of the samples "grow" they will have a better chance to see something? Just a thought, I really have no idea.

I just wanted to point out that the instructions do not call for three poos, but rather all the poo from a three day period. Collect anything from today and the weekend and send it out Monday AM.

Good luck!

deadhd5 said:

I just wanted to point out that the instructions do not call for three poos, but rather all the poo from a three day period. Collect anything from today and the weekend and send it out Monday AM.

Good luck!

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Yes, that's the answer.

ah cheers, I'm quite good at mis-reading instructions! Neelix has already provided a sample for me. I'm keeping it cool but not in the fridge, as per instructions from the lab- they must have their reasons. I've asked for a full-screening, so including parasites & bacteria. I think it'll be clear but he had loose poo last week so best to check it out.