Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently took three of my snakes to a vet for just a basic checkup. The vet was unable to get any stool sample to examine with the microscope so she wants me to bring it in on Tuesday. My question involves storage until that point. I have the samples in zip lock baggies until then but should I keep them at room temp. or place them in the refrigerator or freezer. I don't want to kill anything that might need to be examined. Thank you.

I take the sample and place it in a slightly moist paper towel inside a zip lock bag and store it in my (basement) refridgerator until I can get it to the vet. Actually I mail mine in. They will do ok for a day or two. Mine usually arrive in one or two days via USPS. Saves a 75 mile drive....

From what my vet said you don't want it to freeze or get overly hot and best if it doesn't dry out. You also want the dark stuff and not the white stuff.

I'm no expert but I might worry about chlorine in a damp paper towel causing trouble but I guess it would be better than drying out but that shouldn't be a problem in a well-sealed Ziploc. I've kept samples in my cool dark basement for a week or so before taking them in. I suppose best to get it in before it starts to grow mold too

Guess I'm lucky. All my snakes defecate on a regular schedule so I'm able to schedule appointments based on their schedule and get pretty fresh samples in. I just put it in a ziploc and in the refrigerator if needed. My vet prefers samples from the last 24 hours.
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