how to preserve a stool sample?

[amyhughes]

Is the refrigerator a good place to store stool samples until I go to the vet? I want to take the latest sample, so I've been saving the latest in a plastic baggie in the fridge. Good idea, or should I leave it at room temperature?

[Marcia]

That is what I did. Put it in a baggie and put it in the frige. Just be sure and stick it in an inconspicous spot and don't forget it! (for obvious reasons).

[3gatos]

I usually just get a sample the morning of. There's always plenty of poo overnight and I usually clean the box in the morning. I've never 'stored' a sample for longer than an hour, but I think I would just leave it outside until it's time to go to the vet (it's about 24 degrees here).

[Mitts & Tess]

My mother was visiting me and opened the fridge and screamed yelled at me. You know how mothers do that saying your name. She opened the fridge and found a sample waiting to go to the vet that morning.

My mother is a Christian Scientist which don't believe in doctors or vets for your animals. To this was double insanity as far as she was concerned. When you have multiple cats or fosters you do have to take the sample when you see your chance! That is why some people don't have the choice of taking the sample fresh!

[KozyKitty]

Check with your vet. It depends what the stool sample is for. Some bacteria, fungi, parasites, etc will die in the cold temp making it harder for the techs to examine and depending on what stage the organism is in, whether or not they will find something. So, check with your vet on what you need to do, if/how it can be stored, etc.