LABORATORY
PATIENT COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS
Collecting Stool Samples for Helicobacter pylori Antigen Test
Questions? Contact Alberta Precision Laboratories at 403-770-3600
MI6176 Rev 5.00 Test Directory
How to
Prepare
x The following groups of medications should not be used for the period indicated
prior to collecting samples for the Helicobacter pylori antigen test:
o Proton pump inhibitors (H+K+ - ATPase inhibitor): 14 days
o Antibiotics: 14 days
o Bismuth preparations (e.g., Peptol Bismol): 14 days
Talk to your physician before changing or stopping any medications
x
DO NOT use a laxative before collecting the stool sample
x
Empty bladder (urinate) completely to prevent stool sample contamination
with
urine
Collecting
the Sample
x Obtain sterile collection container with orange lid from physician
or laboratory staff.
x Wash hands with soap and water before collecting sample
Adults:
x
Collect the stool sample into any clean, dry disposable container or onto
plastic
wrap placed between the toilet seat and bowl
x
DO NOT let water touch the stool sample
Infants (Diaper)
:
x
DO NOT submit stool sample in diapers. For small children with diarrhea, or
liquid stool, fasten a diaper liner (e.g. plastic kitchen wrap) to
the diaper using
childproof safety pins. Remove the stool sample from the diaper using a
disposable plastic spoon and put into the container
following the steps below.
Adding Stool to the Collection Container
:
x
Fill the container 1/3 full. DO NOT fill more than half full. Replace the lid
x
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after collecting the sample
Labelling
the Sample
Label the collection container with:
x
Laboratory or physician office issued patient label or
x
Write the patient full first and la
st name, Provincial Health Number (PHN), or
Government issued identification (Federal, Military, RCMP, Immigration), date
and time of collection
Lab
Requisition
x Print the date and time the sample was collected on the lab requisition.
x
Fold and place the requisition in the outside pocket of the
plastic resealable
bag. Do not put the requisition in the bag with the sample
collection container.
x Place sample container in the provided plastic resealable bag.
Sample
Delivery to
Lab
x If the stool sample cannot be delivered to the laboratory immediately after
collection, keep refrigerated and deliver to the laboratory within 24 hours.
Samples not labelled as required or those that do not have a completed requisition will NOT be tested.
