Appendix 4: postal packaging for faecal samples
Updated 28 November 2024
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Components of faecal postal kit
- blue top stool sample collection container with label for patient details
- white plastic outer transport container and absorbent material
- outer cardboard box packaging
- UN3373 pre-addressed plastic postal envelope
Instructions to environmental health officers and patients for sending enteric specimens
1. Place sample inside the sterile universal faeces container, making sure you do not overfill the container. Please ensure that you fill in the label on the sample container clearly and that there are a minimum of 4 patient identifiers on the faecal pot and date of sample collection.
2. Place the faecal pot inside the plastic transport container with the pad of absorbent material (SUPASORB) and ensure that the lids on both the faeces pot and transport container are securely closed.
3. Place the transport container inside the cardboard box. Please complete the request form clearly and as fully as possible, ensuring there are a minimum of 4 patient identifiers that match exactly those on the faecal pot and the date of sample collection.
4. Place the cardboard box, together with the completed request form, into the pre-addressed opaque plastic envelope (UN3373) and post. Ensure that you put the address of the referring EHO on the rear of the envelope.