Bacteriology Culture/Sensitivities

Preparation & Timing

• If you are taking antifungal or antibiotic medications, do not collect until at least 3 days after you finish your course of medication. 
• Avoid probiotic supplements for 2 weeks prior to and during sample collection.
  • Consult your healthcare provider before discontinuing any prescription medications.
• Avoid the following medications for 2 days prior to and during sample collection. Consult your healthcare provider before discontinuing any prescription medications. 
  • Digestive enzymes
  • Antacids
  • Aspirin  

back to top

Collection Instructions

1. Urinate prior to collection. 
2. Collect stool into the provided collection container.
   1. Do NOT contaminate the sample 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.
3. Open the YELLOW-capped vial.
   1. Do NOT touch or discard the liquid preservative.
4. Use the attached spoon to transfer some stool into the vial.
   1. Collect from different areas of the sample.
5. Add stool until the stool and liquid in the vial reach the FILL LINE.
   1. Do NOT overfill.
6. Screw the cap on tightly.
7. Shake the vial vigorously for 30 seconds.
8. Write your name, date of birth, and the date of collection on the specimen vial. 
   1. Do not fill in anything on the ID# line. 
9. Place the vial in the zip-lock bag.
10. Place the bag into the cardboard shipping box.
11. Place the completed test requisition form into the cardboard shipping box.
12. If you cannot ship the same day, place the cardboard box in the refrigerator until you ship.

back to top

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.

back to top

Shipping

• Ship Monday - Friday only.
• If you cannot ship the sample the same day, place the cardboard shipping box containing the sample in the refrigerator until ready to ship. 
• To prepare your samples for shipping,
  
  • Place the specimen vial in the zip-lock bag.
  • Place the zip-lock bag into the cardboard shipping box.
  • Place the completed test requisition form into the cardboard shipping box.
  • Place the cardboard shipping box in the FedEx Clinical Pak mailer.
  • Write your name and address on the Billable Stamp.
• Make a note of your tracking number or tear off the Customer Receipt so that you can track the sample back to the lab. 
• Ship via FedEx.
  • To schedule a FedEx pick-up, call 1-800-463-3339.
    • After the automated greeting, say, "Schedule a pick-up." 
    • At the next prompt, say, "Schedule a pick-up with a Label or Stamp." 
    • Say, "yes," when asked if the word "Stamp" is on the waybill.
    • You will then give your address information for the pick-up.
  • DO NOT place specimens in a FedEx drop box.

back to top

Results

• Results should be released to your provider 3-8 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. 

back to top

More Resources

• Bacteriology Culture Info Page
• Shipping Information
• Before You Submit Your Test Checklist
• [PDF] How to Collect Your Sample

back to top

Questions?

For general questions, email Rupa Health at support@rupahealth.com. For test-specific questions, contact Doctor's Data by calling 800-323-2784 or emailing customer support at info@doctorsdata.com.