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Comprehensive Stool Analysis

Updated over 11 months ago

Test Details

Lab Company: Mosaic Diagnostics
​Sample Type: Stool
​Collection Location: At Home

The Comprehensive Stool Analysis detects pathogens in the gastrointestinal system that can contribute to a variety of diseases. It also analyzes immune function, inflammation, and overall gastrointestinal health.

Key Details

  • You will collect samples on two separate days (at least 12 hours apart).

    • Ship within 5 days of the second collection.

  • You must avoid certain foods and medications prior to sample collection.

  • Do not collect your samples while menstruating or actively bleeding from hemorrhoids.

  • Ship your samples Monday - Wednesday only.

  • You DO NOT need to register your kit online or complete a requisition form.

Preparation & Timing

  • Save the cardboard test kit box - you will use this to ship back your samples.

  • If your practitioner has ordered Mosaic Diagnostics tests with multiple sample types, consult THIS DOCUMENT to determine the order in which you should collect your samples.

  • You will collect samples on two separate days.

    • Samples must be collected at least 12 hours apart.

    • Samples must be shipped within 5 days of the second collection.

    • It is best to start your collection over the weekend so you can ship on time.

  • DO NOT collect your samples while menstruating or actively bleeding from hemorrhoids.

  • Avoid the following procedures for 4 weeks prior to sample collection.

    • Colonoscopy

    • Barium enema

  • Avoid the following medications for 2 weeks prior to sample collection.

    • Antibiotics

    • Antiparasitics

    • Antifungals

    • Probiotic supplements

    • Proton pump inhibitors (PPI)

    • Bismuth

  • Avoid the following foods and medications for 48 hours prior to sample collection.

    • Digestive enzymes

    • Antacids

    • Iron supplements

    • Over 250 mg daily of Vitamin C

    • Aspirin or other NSAIDs

    • Activated charcoal

    • Bentonite clay

    • Betaine HCl

    • Mineral oil

    • Castor oil

    • Glycerin-based laxatives, enemas, or suppositories

  • If you have trouble producing stool, you can use one of the following laxatives 24 hours prior to sample collection.

    • Oral phosphate soda laxatives, such as Fleet

    • Magnesium citrate

    • Psyllium fiber

    • Enemas using distilled water only

  • DO NOT use suppositories or mineral oil prior to sample collection.

Collection Instructions

Day 1

  1. Write the following information on one of the barcode stickers.

    1. Your full name

    2. Date of collection

    3. Time of collection

  2. Place a barcode sticker on one of the BLACK-top vials.

  3. Urinate prior to collection.

  4. Collect stool in the collection tray.

    1. Do not contaminate the stool with urine or water.

    2. It may help to put plastic wrap over the toilet and then place the collection container on top of the plastic. You could also collect your sample on the plastic wrap.

  5. Put on a glove.

  6. Open the BLACK-top vial.

    1. DO NOT touch or discard the preservative in the vial.

  7. Use the attached spoon to transfer stool into the vial.

    1. Use only the spoon attached to the BLACK-top vial.

    2. Collect samples from several different areas of the stool specimen.

    3. Fill to the fill line.

  8. Tightly seal the vial.

  9. Shake the BLACK-top vial vigorously for about 30 seconds.

  10. Place the BLACK-top vial into the refrigerator.

    1. DO NOT freeze this vial.

  11. Dispose of the remaining stool and the collection materials.

    1. DO NOT flush the tray.

Day 2

  1. Write the following information on the remaining barcode stickers.

    1. Your full name

    2. Date of collection

    3. Time of collection

  2. Place a barcode sticker on each of the remaining three vials.

  3. Urinate prior to collection.

  4. Collect stool in the collection tray.

    1. Do not contaminate the stool with urine or water.

    2. It may help to put plastic wrap over the toilet and then place the collection container on top of the plastic. You could also collect your sample on the plastic wrap.

  5. Put on a glove.

  6. Open the WHITE-top vial.

  7. Use the attached spoon to transfer stool into the vial.

    1. Use only the spoon attached to the WHITE-top vial.

    2. Collect samples from several different areas of the stool specimen.

    3. Fill to the fill line.

  8. Tightly seal the vial.

  9. Place the WHITE-top vial in the freezer for at least 6 hours.

  10. Open the BLACK-top vial.

    1. DO NOT touch or discard the preservative in the vial.

  11. Use the attached spoon to transfer stool into the vial.

    1. Use only the spoon attached to the BLACK-top vial.

    2. Collect samples from several different areas of the stool specimen.

    3. Fill to the fill line.

  12. Tightly seal the vial.

  13. Shake the BLACK-top vial vigorously for about 30 seconds.

  14. Place the BLACK-top vial into the refrigerator.

    1. DO NOT freeze this vial.

  15. Open the YELLOW-top vial.

    1. DO NOT touch or discard the preservative in the vial.

  16. Use the attached spoon to transfer stool into the vial.

    1. Use only the spoon attached to the YELLOW-top vial.

    2. Collect samples from several different areas of the stool specimen.

    3. Fill to the fill line.

  17. Tightly seal the vial.

  18. Shake the YELLOW-top vial vigorously for about 30 seconds.

  19. Place the YELLOW-top vial into the refrigerator.

    1. DO NOT freeze this vial.

  20. Dispose of the remaining stool and the collection materials.

    1. DO NOT flush the tray.

Requisition & Payment

  • Your kit has been prepaid. You DO NOT need to pay anything extra.

  • You DO NOT need to register your kit online or complete a requisition form.

Shipping

  • Ship your samples Monday - Wednesday only.

    • Samples should be shipped within 5 days of the second collection.

  • To prepare your samples for shipping,

    • Place the WHITE-top vial and frozen gel pack into the bubble wrap envelope.

    • Place the bubble wrap envelope into the cardboard box.

    • Place the YELLOW-top vial into the biohazard zip-lock bag.

    • Place both BLACK-top vials into the biohazard zip-lock bag.

    • Place the absorbent packing sheet into the biohazard zip-lock bag and seal it.

    • Place the biohazard bag into the cardboard test kit box.

    • Seal the cardboard test kit box.

    • Place the cardboard test kit box into the UPS Laboratory Pak.

    • Seal the UPS Laboratory Pak.

  • Make a note of your tracking number (found on the Return Label) so that you can track your samples back to the lab.

  • Ship using UPS.

    • You can take your samples to the nearest UPS location.

    • DO NOT place your samples in a UPS drop box.

    • You can also schedule a UPS pickup by calling 1 (800) 742-5877.

Results

  • Results should be released to your provider 2-3 weeks after samples are received at the lab. We cannot guarantee processing time.

  • Your provider will notify you when your results are in and schedule a follow-up appointment for you to review them together.

More Resources

Questions?

Reach out to Rupa Health via the chat in your patient portal.

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