How should a fecal sample be collected and handled prior to the appointment?
- A fresh sample is ideal so that the parasite eggs are not dried out.
- The sample should be collected within the previous 24 hours.
- The sample should be at least the size of an almond. Walnut size is ideal.
- The sample can be kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Freezing the sample will ruin it.
- If the stool is runny, don’t soak it up with a paper towel; scoop the runny stool as best you can into a plastic bag or container.
- Bring the sample in a disposable container, baggie or poop bag and give it to the technician on arrival.
For cats, collect a fresh sample from the litter box. If your cat usually goes outdoors to defecate, keep them indoors until you can get a sample. It is fine for there to be some cat litter on the outside of the sample, but there should be at least an almond’s worth of stool under it. Be sure you are not bringing a clumped urine sample.