---
title: "Fecal Swabs: What to Look for in a Fecal Swab Test Kit"
description: Fecal swabs vs stool swabs. Our guide on what to look for in a fecal swab kit provides tips on tools and a step-by-step procedure to guide accurate diagnosis.
image: https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/hubfs/Featured%20-%20Fecal%20Swabs%20-%20What%20to%20Look%20for%20in%20a%20Fecal%20Swab%20Test%20Kit.jpeg
---

- [Home](https://www.puritanmedproducts.com/)
- [Education](https://info.puritanmedproducts.com/resource-library)
- [**Blog**](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/)

# Puritan Blog

May 8, 2024[Print this page](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/fecal-swab-test-kit#)

# Fecal Swabs: What to Look for in a Fecal Swab Test Kit

 

![An illustration of a medical document labeled 'Medical Test Stool' accompanied by a checklist with two checked boxes. Next to the document is a transparent sample container with a green lid, containing a stool sample.](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Fecal%20Swabs%20-%20What%20to%20Look%20for%20in%20a%20Fecal%20Swab%20Test%20Kit.jpeg?width=600&height=450&name=Fecal%20Swabs%20-%20What%20to%20Look%20for%20in%20a%20Fecal%20Swab%20Test%20Kit.jpeg)

A wide range of factors can contribute to gastrointestinal problems, including foodborne illnesses and other diarrhea-causing infections. Fecal swabs are a critical sample collection tool for gathering information about the bacterial source of the problem to aid in diagnosis. However, getting the best diagnostic information depends first upon using the right materials for sample collection and transport.

## What is a fecal swab?

A fecal swab sample may either be a rectal swab sample or a stool swab sample. Both sample types are preserved in a vial of medium and transported to a laboratory for testing that will help clinicians in the diagnosis of a range of gastrointestinal bacterial infections. 

## What are the various uses of a fecal swab (a.k.a. stool swab)?

Stool swabs are a crucial tool in medical diagnostics, primarily used to collect fecal samples for the detection and analysis of gastrointestinal diseases, infections, and other conditions affecting the digestive tract. These swabs are designed to capture and preserve microbial content, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi, which can indicate the presence of conditions like Salmonella, Clostridium difficile, norovirus, and other pathogenic organisms.

In addition to identifying infectious agents, stool swabs are also used in the assessment of gut health, including tests for digestive function, the balance of gut flora, and in some cases, to screen for colorectal cancer markers. The ease of use and non-invasive nature of stool swabs make them an effective option for patients of all ages, particularly when quick and sanitary sample collection is required. The samples obtained can be used for a variety of tests, including culture techniques, antigen testing, and molecular diagnostics, providing valuable information for diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring of gastrointestinal diseases.

## Stool swab vs fecal rectal swab

For self-collection, the patient collects stool on a swab for shipment to the lab for assay, following the prescribed instructions. A fecal[ rectal swab, ](https://info.puritanmedproducts.com/puritan-fecal-opti-swab-rectal-swab-sample-how-to)however, is used by clinicians to collect samples directly from the rectum in a healthcare setting, and processed immediately by inserting and rotating the sample swab into the vial of medium. This diagnostic tool can be used to identify specific bacteria in the rectum that may be the cause of a range of gastrointestinal symptoms and illnesses.

Either sample can be added to the vial of medium using a flocked swab. The vial of medium is specially designed to preserve the viability of bacteria during transport from the collection site to the testing laboratory. It is important to ensure that the swab uses compatible transport media for accurate lab results. 

## What’s included in a fecal swab kit?

![Puritan Fecal Opti-Swab Collection & Transport System ](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Puritan%20Fecal%20Opti-Swab%20Collection%20%26%20Transport%20System%20.jpeg?width=581&height=138&name=Puritan%20Fecal%20Opti-Swab%20Collection%20%26%20Transport%20System%20.jpeg)

A [fecal swab kit](https://www.puritanmedproducts.com/cb-206.html) includes everything that is needed to collect and preserve a rectal or stool sample for laboratory analysis. This includes:

- A sterile pouch that contains a swab applicator for fecal rectal specimen collection or fecal stool specimen processing. It is critical that swabs not be used if the sterile peel has been damaged in any way.
- A vial containing a transport medium. The vial should contain a secure lid, typically a screw-cap.
- Directions for use. Since fecal stool samples can be collected at home by patients, it is important to provide clear directions for proper collection and handling of samples. Careful handling prevents changes in the microbiological conditions of the sample. 

The[ transport medium](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/evaluating-puritan-cary-blair-medium-for-recovery-of-enteric-pathogens) is specifically designed to preserve microorganisms during transport. This medium is made up of a salt solution containing phosphates and chloride salts that provide a buffering capability. Other included ingredients may ensure an oxygen-reduced environment that helps maintain the viability of pathogens during transport.

Best results occur when the specimen is stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions and processed rapidly after collection. 

Your success story starts here - Puritan Medical Products empowers you to transform concepts into reality. Launch your journey to excellence with personalized custom swab kits.

## What to look for in a stool swab

The accuracy of diagnosis depends upon the use of the appropriate tools and techniques for collecting fecal rectal and fecal stool samples. While cotton swabs have been used for this task in the past, flocked swabs offer a significant advantage in diagnostic accuracy.

Flocked swabs feature synthetic fibers of varying lengths specially formulated to provide the highest possible collection and elution capacity. This unique microstructure of the individual fibers allows for higher rates of bacteria recovery than other materials. 

## Fecal swab products

Swabs specially designed for stool sample collection should carry proof of testing for bacteria recovery performance. No chemicals should be added to the swab tip fibers, as this may impact diagnosis. The use of medical grade plastics for[ fecal swab](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/puritan-fecal-opti-swab-collection-transport-system) handles and transport vials ensures the safe transport of potentially infectious materials. 

## How to collect fecal samples using a stool swab

The accuracy of your test results depends upon close attention to the proper testing procedure. To use a fecal swab appropriately, follow the directions below.

### How to collect a stool swab:

1. Have the patient pass stool into a clean, dry pan or a special container mounted on the toilet.
2. Peel open the sterile pouch and remove the vial of medium and swab. Do not touch the swab tip.
3. Collect a small amount of stool by inserting the entire tip of the swab into the stool sample and rotate it. Select bloody, slimy or watery area of stools as possible. Make sure there is fecal material visible on the swab tip.
4. Remove the vial cap and insert the swab into the vial. Ensure the “Max Fill” line is not exceeded. If the sample exceeds the “Max Fill” line, the sample should be discarded and a second sample collected.
5. Holding the swab shaft between thumb and finger, mash and mix the stool specimen against the side of the vial to evenly disperse and suspend the specimen in the medium.
6. Place the swab shaft with the breakpoint against the rim of the vial. Bend and break the swab shaft at the breakpoint.
7. Replace and secure the vial cap. Shake the secured vial to ensure the sample is uniformly diluted.

For complete directions and guidance on how to collect and transport a stool sample,[ download our guide](https://info.puritanmedproducts.com/puritan-fecal-opti-swab-stool-sample-collection-how-to).

Still have questions? We can help. Puritan provides specially formulated fecal swabs designed for the most accurate diagnosis.[ Contact us](https://www.puritanmedproducts.com/contact-us) with questions and we can guide you to the right solution for your clinical needs.

[![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/236379/0e89be8d-ecea-40d3-b47d-962b79b39998.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/236379/0e89be8d-ecea-40d3-b47d-962b79b39998)

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

 Topics: [Media Transport Systems](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/media-transport-systems), [Medical](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/medical), [Diagnostics](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/diagnostics), [Specimen Collection Procedure](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/specimen-collection-procedure)

### Related Posts

[What is Viral Transport Media: The Complete Guide](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/viral-transport-media)

[![What is Viral Transport Media: The Complete Guide](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/hubfs/Featured%20Blog%20-%20Ensure%20Sample%20Integrity%20with%20Viral%20Transport%20Media.jpeg)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/viral-transport-media)

[Nasopharyngeal Swab vs Nasal Swab: Comparing Methods](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/nasopharyngeal-swab-vs-nasal-swab)

[![Nasopharyngeal Swab vs Nasal Swab: Comparing Methods](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/hubfs/Featured%20-%20Nasopharyngeal%20Swab%20vs%20Nasal%20Swab%20-%20Comparing%20Methods.jpg)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/nasopharyngeal-swab-vs-nasal-swab)

## Comments

### How To Videos

Visit our training center, where you can view videos on a range of applications from food safety to microbiology.

[Videos](https://www.puritanmedproducts.com/videos)

### Resource Library

We've compiled our content in a handy library so you can find all our best resources in one place.

[Resource Library](https://info.puritanmedproducts.com/resource-library)

### Find a Distributor

Using our distributor chart, you can see a list of distributors where you can buy our products.

[Where to Buy](https://www.puritanmedproducts.com/how-to-buy/)

### Recent Posts

### Topics

- [100 Year Annniversary](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/100-year-anniversary)
- [Controlled Environments](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/controlled-environments)
- [COVID-19](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/covid-19)
- [Customer Stories](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/customer-stories)
- [Customization](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/Customization)
- [Diagnostics](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/diagnostics)
- [Employee Spotlight Series](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/employee-spotlight-series)
- [Environmental and Food Safety](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/environmental-and-food-safety)
- [Flocked Swabs](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/flocked-swabs)
- [Flu](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/flu)
- [Forensics](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/forensics)
- [Genetics](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/genetics)
- [Health and Beauty](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/health-and-beauty)
- [Microbiology Media](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/microbiology-media)
- [Media Transport Systems](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/media-transport-systems)
- [Medical](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/medical)
- [Puritan](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/puritan)
- [Scientific Studies](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/scientific-studies)
- [Specimen Collection Procedure](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/specimen-collection-procedure)
- [Veterinary](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/veterinary)

### Disclaimer

 The information on this document and/or our website is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained on or available through this document and/or our website is for general information purposes only. Please consult with a licensed medical professional regarding the application of products.

### Posts Archive

- [June 2026 (4)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2026/06)
- [April 2026 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2026/04)
- [March 2026 (9)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2026/03)
- [February 2026 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2026/02)
- [January 2026 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2026/01)
- [December 2025 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/12)
- [November 2025 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/11)
- [October 2025 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/10)
- [August 2025 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/08)
- [July 2025 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/07)
- [June 2025 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/06)
- [May 2025 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/05)
- [April 2025 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/04)
- [March 2025 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/03)
- [February 2025 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/02)
- [January 2025 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/01)
- [December 2024 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/12)
- [November 2024 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/11)
- [October 2024 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/10)
- [August 2024 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/08)
- [July 2024 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/07)
- [June 2024 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/06)
- [May 2024 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/05)
- [April 2024 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/04)
- [March 2024 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/03)
- [February 2024 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/02)
- [December 2023 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/12)
- [November 2023 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/11)
- [October 2023 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/10)
- [September 2023 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/09)
- [August 2023 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/08)
- [June 2023 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/06)
- [May 2023 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/05)
- [March 2023 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/03)
- [October 2022 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/10)
- [September 2022 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/09)
- [August 2022 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/08)
- [July 2022 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/07)
- [June 2022 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/06)
- [March 2022 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/03)
- [February 2022 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/02)
- [January 2022 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/01)
- [November 2021 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/11)
- [September 2021 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/09)
- [August 2021 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/08)
- [July 2021 (4)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/07)
- [May 2021 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/05)
- [April 2021 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/04)
- [March 2021 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/03)
- [February 2021 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/02)
- [January 2021 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/01)
- [December 2020 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/12)
- [October 2020 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/10)
- [September 2020 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/09)
- [August 2020 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/08)
- [July 2020 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/07)
- [June 2020 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/06)
- [May 2020 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/05)
- [April 2020 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/04)
- [March 2020 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/03)
- [February 2020 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/02)
- [November 2019 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/11)
- [September 2019 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/09)
- [July 2019 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/07)
- [June 2019 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/06)
- [May 2019 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/05)
- [April 2019 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/04)
- [March 2019 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/03)
- [February 2019 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/02)
- [January 2019 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/01)
- [November 2018 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2018/11)
- [October 2018 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2018/10)
- [August 2018 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2018/08)
- [July 2018 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2018/07)
- [June 2018 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2018/06)
- [May 2018 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2018/05)
- [April 2018 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2018/04)
- [September 2017 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2017/09)
- [August 2017 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2017/08)
- [May 2017 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2017/05)
- [March 2017 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2017/03)
- [February 2017 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2017/02)
- [January 2017 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2017/01)
- [November 2016 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/11)
- [September 2016 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/09)
- [August 2016 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/08)
- [July 2016 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/07)
- [June 2016 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/06)
- [May 2016 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/05)
- [April 2016 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/04)
- [March 2016 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/03)
- [February 2016 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/02)
- [January 2016 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/01)
- [December 2015 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2015/12)
- [November 2015 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2015/11)
- [September 2015 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2015/09)
- [August 2015 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2015/08)
- [July 2015 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2015/07)
- [April 2015 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2015/04)
- [December 2014 (4)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/12)
- [November 2014 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/11)
- [September 2014 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/09)
- [August 2014 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/08)
- [July 2014 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/07)
- [June 2014 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/06)
- [May 2014 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/05)
- [April 2014 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/04)
- [February 2014 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/02)
- [January 2014 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/01)
- [December 2013 (5)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2013/12)
- [September 2013 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2013/09)
- [April 2013 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2013/04)

[More Archives](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/fecal-swab-test-kit#)

### Subscribe

Stay informed about industry news, current events, and the unique properties of Puritan's wide range of products that set them apart from the rest.

![puritan footer logo](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/hubfs/puritan_footer_green.png)Copyright © 2026 Puritan Medical Products. All rights reserved.Proudly Made in the USA

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Puritan Medical"
  },
  "dateModified" : "May 24, 2024, 2:10:37 PM",
  "datePublished" : "2024-05-08 14:09:00",
  "description" : "Fecal swabs vs stool swabs. Our guide on what to look for in a fecal swab kit provides tips on tools and a step-by-step procedure to guide accurate diagnosis.",
  "headline" : "Fecal Swabs: What to Look for in a Fecal Swab Test Kit",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "url" : "https://236379.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/236379/Featured%20-%20Fecal%20Swabs%20-%20What%20to%20Look%20for%20in%20a%20Fecal%20Swab%20Test%20Kit.jpeg"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent20.net/hubfs/236379/puritan_logo-1.png"
    },
    "name" : "Puritan Medical Products"
  }
}
```