Stool Specimen Collection
Discover Meridian Bioscience’s Para-Pak® Systems—trusted solutions for reliable stool sample collection and transport in parasitology diagnostics. Engineered for specimen integrity and ease of use, Para-Pak ensures accurate results from collection to analysis. Its advanced formulations support pathogen preservation and streamlined lab workflows. Ideal for clinical professionals and researchers seeking dependable diagnostic performance.
Stool Specimen Transport And Preservation
Stool collection systems are crucial for preserving and transporting stool samples for laboratory testing. The one-vial kit is ideal for basic analysis, while two-vial and three-vial kits cater to more complex diagnostics, allowing for separate sample collection. These kits are designed to maintain sample integrity, ensuring accurate and reliable results.
One-Vial Stool Transport
Meridian’s Para-Pak® One-Vial systems offer convenient, prefilled solutions for stool specimen collection and preservation. With a variety of preservatives tailored for different testing needs, these vials support accurate detection of GI pathogens while maintaining specimen integrity and lab efficiency.
Two-Vial Stool Transport
Meridian’s Para-Pak® Two-Vial systems combine two preservatives in one convenient solution—such as Formalin with PVA or SAF with Clean—to support multiple diagnostic methods from a single stool specimen. Ideal for parasitology testing, these kits enhance flexibility, streamline workflows, and ensure sample integrity in clinical laboratories.
Three-Vial Stool Transport
Meridian’s Para-Pak® Three-Vial system includes a combination of Zn-PVA, 10% Formalin, SAF, EcoFix, Clean, and C&S preservatives, enabling multiple testing methods—O&P exams, cultures, and antigen detection—from one stool sample. Designed for high-throughput labs, these all-in-one kits streamline workflows and support a wide range of gastrointestinal diagnostic protocols.
Stool Concentration System
The Meridian Para-Pak CON-Trate System uses efficient, cost effective methods for recovering protozoan cysts, helminth eggs (including operculated eggs) and larvae, from preserved fecal specimens. The addition of CON- Trate Reagent A and thorough mixing of the preserved specimen enhances the breakdown of fecal aggregates and mucus, thus freeing parasites. Filtering the stool-Reagent A suspension through the unique CON-Trate filtering device removes macroscopic fecal aggregates and debris.
Parasitology Stains
Meridian’s staining solutions—including Mayer’s Albumin, Trichrome Stain, and Trichrome Blue Stain—support accurate identification of intestinal parasites. These stains enhance contrast and clarity for improved microscopic examination, making them ideal for routine O&P testing and reliable parasite detection in stool specimens.
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Correct transport ensures the viability of pathogens or biomarkers in the sample, allowing accurate diagnosis of gastrointestinal infections and conditions.
A fresh stool sample should be collected using a clean, dry container. Patients should avoid contamination with urine or water. Detailed collection instructions are typically provided by the healthcare provider or lab.
Common preservatives include formalin, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and Cary-Blair medium. Each is selected based on the type of test being performed (e.g., parasitology, bacterial culture, or molecular testing).
Stability depends on the preservative used and storage conditions. Unpreserved samples should be processed within 2 hours, while preserved samples can typically remain stable for several days at room temperature or refrigerated.
Yes, depending on the test. Some samples should be refrigerated immediately, while others, especially for molecular assays, may require freezing. Always follow lab instructions.
Stool samples can help diagnose infections caused by bacteria (like Salmonella), parasites (like Giardia), viruses (like norovirus), and conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or malabsorption.