SPECIMEN COLLECTION: Intestinal Tract

1. What has been the "gold standard" for stool collection systems?

2. What is the basis for the recommendation that stools be collected on alternate days rather than three days in a row or three in one day?

3. Is it acceptable to accept three stools collected three days in a row?

4. Is it ever appropriate to accept three stools in one day from the same patient?

5. What are the pros and cons of collecting only two fecal specimens?