Sample collection
Stool collection guide
A single-day stool collection. Complete each step in order so your sample can be processed correctly.
Step 1
Plan your collection
Use a calendar to choose your collection day, then review the timing below and adjust the items listed before you begin.
4 weeks before
Wait at least 4 weeks after a colonoscopy or barium enema before collecting.
2 to 4 weeks before
If you take antibiotics, antiparasitics, antifungals, or probiotic supplements (e.g. acidophilus), wait at least 14 days after your last dose. 28 days is preferred after antibiotics.
14 days before
For H. pylori add-on testing, discontinuing PPIs, antibiotics, and bismuth is recommended.
2 days before
Unless directed otherwise by your physician, discontinue aspirin and other NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen), rectal suppositories, enemas, activated charcoal, bismuth, betaine HCl, digestive enzymes, antacids, laxatives, mineral oil, castor oil, and bentonite clay.
Do not collect samples while experiencing active bleeding from hemorrhoids or menstruation.
Discuss any medications with your physician, as they may impact your results.
Step 2
Collect your specimen
Review these instructions fully before you begin. Write your date of birth (DOB) and the date of collection on the labels provided, and attach a completed label to each of the 5 tubes.
Caution: tubes contain poisonous liquid. Keep out of reach of children. Tubes are under pressure, so cover the cap with a cloth and remove it slowly. In case of eye contact, flush with water for 15 minutes. For skin contact, wash with soap and water. If swallowed, contact a poison control center immediately.
If you see a worm, remove it from the sample and place it in a clean glass jar with rubbing alcohol. Write WORM on the jar and return it with your specimens.
Tube collection
Your kit contains these tubes. Match each one by cap color as you work through the steps.
Green
Orange
Pink
Clear
- 1Wear the gloves provided.
- 2Collect your stool sample in the provided tray. Do not let urine or water from the toilet get into the sample.
- 3Transfer stool into the green-cap tube using the built-in scoop. Collect from different areas of the sample. Take 3 level scoops (6 level scoops for liquid stool).
- 4Mix the sample with the liquid in the tube until it is as smooth as possible.
- 5Screw the cap on tightly and shake the tube for 30 seconds.
- 6Fill the orange-cap, pink-cap, and clear-cap tubes to their fill lines, collecting from different areas. Repeat the mixing and shaking steps to complete each.
Note: there is no liquid in the clear-cap tube.
Fill each tube to the line, not above or below.
GoodFilled to the line
Not goodOver or under the line
Swab collection
- 7Open the swab package, but leave the swab in the sleeve until you are ready to collect the sample.
- 8Open the small tube and place it upright on a flat surface.
- 9Grasp the swab above the middle notch.
- 10Insert the tip of the swab into the stool sample and twist until it is evenly coated. Do not spoon or scoop the specimen with the swab, as too much stool can cause testing errors.
- 11Mash and mix the swab tip against the inside of the tube.
- 12Break the swab stick at the middle notch, leaving the swab inside the tube. Screw the cap on tightly.
- 13Place all tubes inside the biohazard bag and refrigerate. Do not freeze.
- 14Dispose of the remaining stool in the toilet, then throw away the collection tray and gloves.
Sample handling. Keep every tube refrigerated and upright until return. Do not freeze. Confirm each tube is labeled with your DOB and collection date.
Step 3
Activate & return
Activate your test online
Activate online to provide important information about your collection and receive your confirmation number.
Activate your test at gdx.net/activatePackage and return your collection
- 1Confirm each tube has a completed label with your DOB and collection date, then place the biohazard bag with the tubes inside the collection box.
- 2Retain a copy of your activation number using one of the three labels on the bottom of the activation label card.
- 3At gdx.net/activate, enter your collection date and the stool consistency. You will receive a confirmation code. Write your final collection date and confirmation code on the activation label card, then place the card in the box with the biohazard bag.
- 4Seal the box inside the shipping bag, attach the shipping label, and drop it off at an authorized FedEx location.