Faeces (M,C&S and Parasitology)

General Information

The faeces will be cultured routinely for Salmonella species, Shigella species, Campylobacter species and E. coli 0157.

It is essential that clinical information is given in all cases. Additional culture media are used in cases where infection with cholera, Yersinia is possible. It is therefore important that relevant clinical information is included on the request form (particularly regarding foreign travel).

Parasitology investigations must be requested separately. 

• The request form must detail any relevant clinical information in particular regarding foreign travel and how long ago this was.
• A minimum of 10g, (approximately the size of a walnut), is required for these investigations.
• Other samples must also clearly indicate if parasite investigations are required. Other possible sample types include liver aspirates, hydatid cysts, CSF, bile, duodenal aspirates, jejunal aspirates, sellotape slide, perianal swab and urine. For bile, liver aspirates/pus, CSF, duodenal aspirates and jejunal aspirates a minimum 1mL is required. For urine a minimum of 10mL is required. For sputum/BAL a minimum of 10mL is required. Sterile universals can be utilised for fluids.
• If Schistosoma haematobium investigations are required, please send an early morning urine in a plain topped sterile universal.

Information Sharing: If your sample needs to be referred or a notifiable disease is detected from your sample, your details and sample may be shared with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This is a legal requirement. The UKHSA is sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.