My naturopath ordered several labs, including a stool sample. I have never completed a stool sample so I researched the process. I read about how to obtain an accurate sample without cross contamination (clean container/bag, wearing gloves, assuring it doesn't touch the toilet or other surfaces, assuring no urine is present, etc). I read about collection on the LabCorp website: "A fresh stool sample transported to the laboratory within 2 hours or one that has been placed in a transport medium (a collection vial containing a preservative)" and I emphasize "or" in this statement. I was able to collect a stool using the mentioned procedures at home and hurried over to the lab to assure I was within the 2 hour window. I entered the lab with Marie, a temp CNA who was there for her first day. She had a question about the computer options and asked Nicole to help. Nicole didn't even check the screen but just said "I don't know" brashly. Then Marie asked about containers for my stool sample and Nicole backed away from the stool sample and proceeded to lay into me, stating that I was supposed to have it in a container and saying things like "I don't even know if this will be accurate", "you're going to have to handle this yourself, we don't handle this", "you can't use our bathroom, you have to go to the bathroom down the hall", "whoever sent you here should have given you containers", "I have never had to deal with this before", "you are supposed to have it in the solution or it's not good". I explained to her what I read on the website and that I researched how to obtain a good sample and that I followed all procedures. And she not only did not hear a word I said but she was incredibly rude, pushy and the most unfriendly medical staff I have EVER come across. I finally put my hand up and stated what I had already stated in a more firm way and said to her "I have never done this before and there is no reason for you to be treating me this way", she responded "well, you're coming at me in a way and I'm having a day". I replied "I can tell". Nicole stormed out of the room and Marie apologized over and over. I stated that Nicole should not be working in this field and I can't imagine how someone who is dealing with an active illness would feel. Not only does no patient deserve this treatment but especially people who are already not feeling good and under medical stress! I am a health care practitioner and I cannot imagine treating a patient this way. I left literally shaking as this was an incredibly unpleasant experience. It was embarrassing enough carrying a stool sample but then to be attacked and treated as if me and my stool were diseased and disgusting was absolutely humiliating! It is unacceptable and it seems to make sense why there are temp workers there instead of long-term employees. I can't imagine working with her. Marie seemed to be very uncomfortable and nervous. I want to highlight that Marie was very sweet, compassionate, reassuring and helpful. She did a great job with the blood draw as well! MARIE is the kind of staff you need at that lab!
I will not ever be back to this lab and I will be passing this info onto my Naturopath as well, in hopes that she will no longer send her patients there. read more