Patient Resources
Thank you so much for taking the time to donate your stool sample for our research. Your sample will help us further advance research on the microbiome and its impacts on cancer.
A couple of key things to note:
- An improperly collected stool sample cannot be used for data analysis. We encourage you to review the instructions provided in your kit.
- Before you begin, we request that you completely freeze the provided cold packs (if included) so that stool collected stays cold when shipped. If your kit does not include cold packs, your stool sample can be returned at room temperature.
- Please place your kit in your bathroom so that is it easily accessible for you to collect your stool sample, as soon as possible.
Your kit will include:
- Kit instructions
- Stool collection form
- Specimen container
- Disposable spatula
- Feces catcher(s)
- One biospecimen bag, containing an absorbent sheet
- Cold packs (depending upon kit type)
- Pre-paid return label
- Shipping envelope
Our team also relies on previously established methods that allow for data harmonization and metanalyses. As an example, we recommend referring to the Human Microbiome Project Manual of Operating Procedures, as a general guideline for specimen collection.
Our team will make SOPs and guidelines for sample collection, processing, and storage as well as for metadata collection and data analysis available through this website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of collecting a stool sample?
Stool specimens provide information on the gut microbiome, which has direct applications for cancer onset, progression, and response to treatment across different types of caner.
I did not recieve my kit. What should be done next?
You may contact PRIME-TR with any questions, including the status of your kit delivery. We can check its status via the courier service. If the kit has become lost in transit, we will readily provide you with another.
The outside of the kit's box says "PERISHABLE". Is this kit ok for use?
Yes, your kit can be used to collect your stool sample. The "PERISHABLE" label is only relevant during return transport of your stool specimen to our lab.
The kit instructions state that my stool sample should not be returned on a Friday or weekend. What should I do if I have already collected my stool sample?
You may keep your stool specimen in your refrigerator until you are able to ship it, preferably on the following Monday. If you are storing your stool sample in your refrigerator, please ensure that it is securely closed and placed inside the provided biospecimen bag to avoid contamination. If your kit also includes ice packs, please keep these in your freezer until you are ready to package your refrigerated sample for return shipment.
I am worried about the consistency of my stool. Should I delay in collecting my stool sample?
You may provide stool of any consistency if there is enough quantity, as stipulated in your kit's instructions. If you have a colostomy bag, you can still provide a stool sample but you will need to provide the name of your colostomy bag's manufacturer on the "Stool Collection Form" included in your kit. This will ensure proper processing of your stool sample.