Guidelines for the Collection of Suspect Norovirus Specimens

Attempt to collect specimens as soon as possible after onset of illness or as directed by the Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology (OIDE).

Tips for collecting a stool specimen:

Collecting stool can be difficult. Try to wear enclosed gloves and ensure thorough hand washing upon completion.
Place plastic wrap across the rim of the toilet, under the seat to collect stool specimen only (NO URINE). Transfer the stool to the clean, sealable container before taking to the laboratory. Plastic wrap can also be used to line the diaper of an infant or toddler who is not yet using the toilet. A disposable, clean plastic container, etc. (i.e. Ziploc container, butter container, etc.), can be used if kits cannot be obtained quickly.
Important: Write on the containers your (or your child's) full name, date of birth, and the date and time the sample was collected. If this is not done, the lab cannot do the test, and you will have to repeat the stool collection.
Important: Do not use the collection containers with liquid inside of them, as the preservative can inhibit Norovirus testing.
Place fresh stool specimens in the enclosed, clean, dry containers.
Keep refrigerated. Place bagged and sealed specimens on ice or with frozen refrigerant packs in an insulated box.
Return specimen to Delaware Public Laboratory or State Service Center as directed by OIDE.

Bacterial/Stool/Urine Collection Kit.

Return to the Tests Performed page
Return to the Delaware Public Health Laboratory page

This page was last updated 4/2024

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Guidelines for the Collection of Suspect Norovirus Specimens

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Tips for collecting a stool specimen:

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