Genova Diagnostics GI Effects Stool Testing Instructions

Before You Begin

Visit gdx.net/activate and enter the number found on the activation label card included with this collection pack.

Start the stool specimen collection on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
In this way, you will ship out the kit on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday only
Avoid US holidays which may cause delays.
Do not collect samples while experiencing active bleeding from hemorrhoids or menstruation.
Please return specimens within 24 hours after the final collection.

Wait at least four weeks after colonoscopy before beginning the test.
If taking antibiotics, antiparasitics, or antifungals, it is recommended that you finish the prescription and then wait at least 28 days after your last dose before beginning the test.

For H. pylori add-on testing, discontinuing PPIs, antibiotics, and bismuth is recommended. If you were not told this by the MDLifespan team, you can safely assume that you continue all medications as usual.

Take all medications and supplements as directed unless otherwise instructed by the MDLifespan Team.

Tubes are under pressure. Cover the tube cap with a cloth and remove the cap slowly. In case of eye contact, flush with water for 15 minutes. In case of skin contact, wash with soap and water. In case of ingestion, contact poison control center immediately.
Do not overfill tubes. Ensure the liquid and sample do not go over the fill line. Do not underfill tubes.

If you see a worm, remove it from the sample and place it in a clean glass jar with rubbing alcohol. Write WORM on the jar and return with your specimens.
Stool collection must be done in three consecutive days.

Wear the gloves provided.
Collect your stool sample in the provided tray. Do not let urine or water from the toilet get into the sample.

Transfer stool sample into the GREEN-TOP tube using the built-in scoop. Collect from different areas of the sample. Add stool until contents reach the fill line on the tube.

Mix the sample with the liquid in the tube until it is as smooth as possible.
Screw the cap on tightly and shake the tube for 30 seconds.
Place the tube in the biohazard bag and refrigerate until ready to ship.
Do not freeze.
Dispose of the remaining stool in the toilet, then throw away the collection tray and glove.

Follow the instructions for Day 1 using a new GREEN-TOP tube and an ORANGE-TOP, PINK-TOP, and CLEAR-TOP TUBE. Do not dispose of the stool sample until completing all the steps below. Note: there is no liquid in the clear-top tube.

Open the swab package but leave the swab in the sleeve until you are ready to collect the sample.
Open the small tube and place it upright on a flat surface.
Grasp the swab above the middle notch.
Insert the swab tip into the stool sample and twist until it is evenly coated in stool. Do not spoon or scoop the specimen with the swab. This would collect too much stool and may cause testing errors.
Mash and mix the swab tip against the inside of the tube.
Break the swab stick at the middle notch, leaving the swab inside the tube. Screw the cap on tightly.
Place the tube inside the biohazard bag with the other specimens and refrigerate until ready to ship. Do not freeze.
Dispose of the remaining stool in the toilet, then throw away the collection tray and glove.

Confirm that each tube has a completed label attached with your date of birth and the date of collection. Place the biohazard bag with tubes inside the collection box.
Retain a copy of the activation number for future reference using one of the three labels provided at the bottom of the activation label card.
Visit gdx.net/activate to enter the date of your final collection and the stool consistency of the Day 3 sample. When completed, you will receive a confirmation code. Write the date of the last collection and your confirmation code on the activation label card and place it inside the box with the biohazard bags.
Close the cardboard box and place it inside the FedEx shipping bag. Follow the shipping instructions provided.