Receiving of Stool Samples

1. Scope

·       This document contains the procedure for receiving of stool samples from  AFP Cases and contact of AFP case

2. Definition

• LRF                 -           Laboratory request form
• EPID NO         -           Unique number assigned to AFP case.
• OPV                -           Oral Polio Vaccine.   
• BSC                 -           Biosafety Cabinet

3. Materials

• Labels with serial no.
• Polythene bag
• Absorbent pad
• Box to keep the sample
• Discarding container with 1% sodium hypochlorite
• Sterile specimen container
• Sterile glass rods/Pasteur pipettes

4. Procedure

• Entry of stool sample in the stool sample receiving register:
• Write the lab. Serial no. in stool sample receiving register No.PR 01 and LRF e.g.- 1/11, 2/11, 3/11 …
• In the LRF check for the following information.

• EPID No.
• Name of the patient with proper address.
• Date of Onset of paralysis.
• Date of last OPV and No. of OPV doses.
• Date of sample collection.
• Date sample sent to lab.
• Specimen from an AFP case or Contact.
• If it is contact check EPID no. of related case.
• Specimen type (rectal swab, stool samples etc.)

• Enter the above information into the stool sample receiving register.

• Checking of stool samples:
• Take the stool carrier to the designated area-Virology Room No.2.Only carrier goes inside the lab and not the person who brings the samples.
• Keep discarding container with 1% Sod. Hypochlorite solution, absorbent bench pad, sterile specimen containers, sterile glass rods/Pasteur pipettes and polythene bags ready in biosafety cabinet.
• Two persons should receive the stool samples. One person wearing gloves only should handle the samples and other person should not touch the samples; he/she should prepare labels with lab. serial no. and record data.
• Open the sample carrier in designated area; do not open it out side.
• Write the lab no. on the label as written on the LRF.

·       Check that there is presence of ice, no leakage, desiccation or breakage of the samples and quantity of the stool is at least 8 gm or sufficient for two time processing, and label on the specimen container should match with that on the LRF.

·       Stick the label with lab. no. on the side and top of  the specimen container.

·       Put the specimen container in a polythene bag.

·       If there is any leakage this specimen should be handled last, transfer the contents of this container in to a previously labeled sterile specimen container. Wrap in a polythene bag. Discard the original container into discarding pan containing freshly prepared 1% Sod. Hypochlorite solution.

·       If the quantity of the specimen is less than 2-3gm then make a note in the LRF, sample receiving register and sample receipt book. Inform to the corresponding authority and request for another sample.

·       Store the specimen at -20⁰ C in deep freeze no.7 if samples are not processed on the same day or store the specimen in 4⁰C refrigerator if samples are processed on the same day.

·       Issue a receipt with all the details of the specimen to the person who brings the specimen and keep a copy in the receipt book.

·       Fill up the carrier with freshly prepared 1% Sod. Hypochlorite for 1/2 hour. Replace all the ice packs with fresh one. Put the used packs in 1% Sod. Hypochlorite solution over night, wash it properly with tape water.

·       Give already cleaned carrier.

1. Safety conditions

• Do not open stool carrier out side the designated lab.

• Soiled gloves to be discarded in to the beaker with 1% Sod. Hypochlorite solution kept inside the Biosafety cabinet and wear new gloves.
• Each specimen container should be carefully examined upon receipt. Specimens from leaking containers are to be transferred to clean prelabelled sterile containers.
• If any spill in the BSC, clean it with cotton soaked in 1% Sod. Hypochlorite solution.

1.    Documentation

·       Stool sample receiving register PR-1

·       Stool sample receipt book PR-2

·       Log book of Biosafety Cabinet No 6

2.    References used to draw SOP

·       WHO Polio Laboratory Manual.