Poo samples for H Pylori test

[BurningBridges]

If you are at a loss on a poo related subject on a Sunday, talk to Mumsnet!

DD age 10 has to give poo samples for this test; I had to do it too recently and as I understand it, I had to do 3 different ones, on the same day, and then get it to the hospital pathology on the same day. I know you don't want to, but think about it, that's a tall order esp. if child is at school and doesn't normally go more than once a day. Doctor has sent me two bottles through the post and no instructions as if we should just fill em up and pop em in!! I think that's wrong. Wondering what I can do about it, course I can ring up tomorrow but I know I'll be passed from pillar to post - has anyone had this test done in this way recently - any ideas?

Wow that's a hard task!!! Especially to get it off a ten year old prob easier off a younger kid as you can sit them on a potty so can catch it easier. Don't want to even think of the logistics of catching one poo never mind three!!! I'm lucky if dd goes once a day never mind three tines!!

I had a quick look for this test (I'm a cytologist not microbiologist). The info out there does suggest it needs to reach the lab the same day.
Are the tubes different (e.g. caps different colours etc). It may be that they need to have the samples collected in different containers (as with bloods) rather than 3 faecal samples at different times (as you need with sputum samples).

Can I suggest that you do a web search for "pathology handbook" and the name of the hospital you need to send the sample into? Most pathology departments put this online, it includes all the tests they do and the requirements so should say how many samples they need and so on. Happy to look further for you but it can be quite specific.

Chundle, thanks for sympathy! I know! Bela, good idea, I found it straight away but it did not contain any further info on stool tests. It did give me the names/telephone numbers for people who might know though and I have e-mailed the consultant's secretary. I have also realised that I had H pylori test with an occult blood test - so daft woman I am - that's why I had to do 3 at 3 different times. So I won't need that for H pylori, but I still don't know what I actually do need. I suspect Bela's initial thoughts were right that it just needs two specimens in different tubes, not taken at different times etc.

However, web search has revealed that drugs DD has to take are contra-indicated when taking H pylori so in fact, I need to check it all out with consultants and there are no short cuts, even Mumsnet can't sort this out unless our paediatrician happens to be on here?! Still grateful for responses, they were helpful, cheers.

Sounds like you have a few questions that need answering there! Hope you get them promptly. Did your GP say when the samples needed to be sent off?

There is no particular rush so will be ringing round tomorrow -