Sample Collection and Storage

(Aligned with ESCCAP guidelines)

Sample Container and Volume

• A small spatula and sample pot are provided.

• The small pot is intentional and helps keep postage costs low while maintaining sample quality.

• Do not fill the pot more than 75% (¾ full). Overfilling can compromise sample integrity and testing accuracy.

Sample Collection

• Faecal samples should be collected rectally or immediately after deposition to minimise contamination from the environment.

• Environmental contamination may introduce free-living nematodes, which can interfere with interpretation and reduce diagnostic accuracy.

• Collect faecal material only.

• Reptile and bird samples often contain white or grey chalky material (urates) passed alongside faeces. These should be reduced as much as possible, as urates can interfere with both microscopy and molecular testing.

Sample Freshness and Moisture

• A fresh, moist sample is essential for accurate parasite and pathogen detection.

• Dry samples may disrupt fragile parasitic stages and significantly increase the risk of false-negative results.

• If a sample appears dry, a few drops of cooled, boiled water may be added to maintain humidity (do not flood the sample).

Storage Prior to Submission

• If the sample is fresh, refrigeration is not required immediately; storage in a cool room is acceptable.

• Refrigeration at 4 °C may be used if there is a short delay before dispatch and helps limit further development of some parasite stages.

• Avoid prolonged storage at room temperature.

Important Diagnostic Considerations (ESCCAP)

• Some parasite eggs and oocysts may continue to develop in older samples, altering their diagnostic appearance.

• Lungworm larvae (L1) may lose viability in older samples, reducing sensitivity when migration techniques (e.g. Baermann) are required.

• Eggs of Strongyloides spp. and strongylids may hatch after hours to days, potentially resulting in false-negative egg counts.

• To minimise egg development and hatching:

  • Use as little air space as possible in the container

  • Ensure the container is tightly sealed

Long-Term Storage (Not Recommended for Routine Testing)

• Faecal samples are not intended for long-term storage prior to examination.

• Preservation using chemicals or freezing at −20 °C may be required in specific circumstances but:

  • Some parasite stages, particularly nematode larvae and thin-shelled helminth eggs, cannot be reliably detected in preserved or previously frozen samples.

• Preserved or frozen samples may therefore reduce test sensitivity and are not recommended unless specifically advised.

Submission

• Send samples as soon as possible after collection using the provided packaging.

• Ensure the pot is securely closed and correctly labelled.