Some stool test profiles require samples from more than one bowel movement, collected on separate days into separate tubes. You collect one sample per day, store each finished tube in the refrigerator between collection days, and ship all tubes together once your set is complete. The number of days — and tubes — depends on the specific test in your kit.
Important: Register your kit before you collect. Follow your kit's instructions for the number of collection days required.
How the multi-day collection works
Each tube in your kit corresponds to one collection day. Your kit will specify how many days and tubes are required — the most common is three days and three tubes.
On each collection day, collect one stool sample using the standard collection method: place the tray over the toilet to catch the bowel movement before it touches the water, take small amounts from several areas of the stool, and fill the tube to the fill line.
Label each tube with your name, date of birth, and the date and actual time of that day's collection.
After completing each tube, refrigerate it immediately. Most stool kits must not be frozen — refrigeration only between collection days.
Repeat for each remaining collection day.
Important: Use a separate tube for each day. Do not combine two days' samples into one tube.
If you miss a collection day
Try to collect on consecutive days. If you miss a day — for example, you do not have a bowel movement on one of the planned days — simply continue with the remaining collections on the next available days. Get the samples as close together as reasonably possible.
Finishing and shipping the full set
Once every required tube is filled and labeled, place all tubes together in the biohazard bag from your kit.
Add the cold pack from your kit to the shipping box.
Ship on the day of your final collection, following your kit's shipping-day instructions. Avoid shipping on a Friday or the day before a holiday so the samples are not held in transit over a weekend.
Need more help?
If you miss a collection day, are unsure how many tubes to fill, or have questions about storage, contact our support team through chat with your Kit ID. There is no cost for a replacement collection kit when a new sample collection is needed for the lab to complete your analysis.