Comprehensive Stool Analysis

Preparation & Timing

• You will collect samples on two separate days. 
  • Samples must be collected at least 12 hours apart.
  • Samples must be shipped within 7 days of the first collection.
• Avoid the following foods and medications for 48 hours prior to collection.
  • Digestive enzymes
  • Antacids
  • Iron supplements
  • Vitamin C over 250 mg
  • Aspirin
  • Anti-inflammatories
  • Large amounts of meat
• 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. 

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Collection Instructions

Day 1

1. Write the patient's name, the date of collection, and the time of collection on the following vials.
   1. WHITE-top vial
   2. 1 BLACK-top vial 
   3. Do not write on the "ID number" line. 
2. Urinate prior to collection. 
3. 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.
4. Open the WHITE-top vial.
5. Use the attached spoon to transfer stool to 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 at least 3/4 full. 
6. Tightly seal the vial.
7. Place the WHITE-top vial and the provided gel pack into the freezer. 
8. Open the BLACK-top vial. 
   1. Do NOT touch or discard the preservative in the vial. 
9. 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. 
10. Tightly seal the vial.
11. Shake the BLACK-top vial vigorously for about 30 seconds. 
12. Store the BLACK-top vial at room temperature.
    1. Do NOT freeze this vial. 

Day 2

1. Write the patient's name, the date of collection, and the time of collection on the following vials.
   1. YELLOW-top vial
   2. 1 BLACK-top vial 
   3. Do not write on the "ID number" line. 
2. Urinate prior to collection. 
3. 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.
4. Open the YELLOW-top vial.
   1. Do NOT touch or discard the preservative in the vial.
5. 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.
6. Tightly seal the vial.
7. Shake the YELLOW-top vial vigorously for about 30 seconds. 
8. Store the YELLOW-top vial at room temperature.
   1. Do NOT freeze this vial. 
9. Open the BLACK-top vial. 
   1. Do NOT touch or discard the preservative in the vial. 
10. 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. 
11. Tightly seal the vial.
12. Shake the BLACK-top vial vigorously for about 30 seconds. 
13. Store the BLACK-top vial at room temperature.
    1. Do NOT freeze this vial. 

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Requisition & Payment

• Your kit has been prepaid. You DO NOT need to pay anything extra.
• Instructions on how to fill out your requisition can be found HERE.
  • Since you pre-paid for your tests, you do not need to fill in the payment information on any of these forms.
  • DO NOT fill out any information on the gplforms.com website.

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Shipping

• Ship your samples Monday - Wednesday only. 
  • Samples should be shipped within 7 days of the first 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 completed test requisition form into the outside pocket of the biohazard zip-lock bag.
  • Place the biohazard bag into the cardboard box.
  • Seal the cardboard box.
  • Place the cardboard box into the FedEx Clinical Pak. 
  • Seal the FedEx Clinical Pak.
• Ship your sample via FedEx.
  • You can take your sample to the nearest FedEx location.
  • DO NOT place your samples into a FedEx drop box. 
  • You can also schedule a FedEx pickup by calling 1-800-463-3339. 
  • When the automated greeting begins, say, “Schedule a pickup.”
  • When asked if your label has the word “Stamp” on it, say, “Yes.”
  • Let them know you are shipping using a Billable Stamp.
  • Your tracking number can be found on the Return Label.
• Make a note of your tracking number (found on the Return Label) so that you can track your sample back to the lab.

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Results

• Results should be released to your provider 7-21 business days 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. 
• Your provider may choose to release your results to you. Rupa cannot release your results without provider authorization.

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More Resources

• Comprehensive Stool Analysis Info Page
• Comprehensive Stool Analysis Brochure
• The Great Plains Laboratory Patient FAQ
• [PDF] How to Collect Your Sample
• [VIDEO] How to Collect Your Sample

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Questions?

For general questions, email Rupa Health at support@rupahealth.com. For test-specific questions, contact The Great Plains Laboratory by calling 1-800-288-0383 or chatting with support.