Stool specimens are most useful for microbiological diagnosis if collected soon after onset of diarrhoea (for viruses < 48 hours for bacteria < 4 days), and preferably before the initiation of antibiotic therapy. If required, two or three specimens may be collected on separate days for bacterial diarrhoea. Stool is the preferred specimen for culture of bacterial, viral and parasitic diarrhoeal pathogens. Rectal swabs showing faeces may also be used from infants. In general, rectal swabs are not recommended for the diagnosis of viruses.
A. Method for collecting a stool specimen:
B. Method of collecting a rectal swab from infants:
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