--- title: What do I need to do before I collect my stool sample? description: The instructions you got with your test kit give you all the information you need to prepare for your stool test. --- [Skip to content](https://helpcentre.healthpath.com/en/knowledge/what-do-i-do-before-i-collect-my-stool-sample#main-content) English Show submenu for translations ![HP-logo-414-1.png\]](https://helpcentre.healthpath.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HP-logo-414-1.png?height=40&name=HP-logo-414-1.png) - [Default HubSpot Blog](https://healthpath-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/blog) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Default HubSpot Blog](https://healthpath-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/blog) - English Show submenu for translations - [Go to healthpath.com](https://healthpath.com/) [Go to healthpath.com](https://healthpath.com/) Hello. How can we help? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help centre](https://helpcentre.healthpath.com/en/knowledge?hsLang=en) 2. [Preparing for a test](https://helpcentre.healthpath.com/en/knowledge/preparing-for-a-test?hsLang=en) 3. [Gut Health Tests](https://helpcentre.healthpath.com/en/knowledge/preparing-for-a-test?hsLang=en#gut-health-tests) # What do I need to do before I collect my stool sample? ## The instructions you got with your test kit give you all the information you need to prepare for your stool test. Here's our top tips to get you started. 1. Follow your normal diet for at least one week before taking the test. 2. Stop taking any probiotics 14 days before you take the test. Ideally wait 4 weeks after taking antibiotics before you take the test. 3. The stool, spoon-lid and sample lance must not come into contact with water or toilet detergents. Use the stool collector enclosed in the kit. 4. Samples **must** be posted within 12 hours of collection, keep them cool (however there's no need to put them in the fridge). 5. Only post sample back to the lab on Monday to Wednesday (do not post on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday). 6. Hand the samples in at the Post Office branch, rather than simply leaving them in the post box. 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