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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

For fecal occult blood testing, stool must be collected in a clean, dry, leakproof container. Contamination with urine or toilet water dilutes or alters hemoglobin concentration and may cause false negatives. Stool should not be frozen unless specifically directed by the testing method, as freezing may lyse cells or interfere with chemical reactions. Unlike urine cultures, sterile containers are not necessary unless specified for parasite or bacterial culture, but cleanliness is critical. Patients should be instructed carefully on how to collect the specimen to avoid cross-contamination, which could invalidate results. The phlebotomist or healthcare professional’s role includes providing patient education, labeling specimens accurately, and ensuring prompt transport to the lab. Stool samples may also be tested for parasites, pathogens, or chemical contents, each requiring adherence to collection instructions. ASCP emphasizes proper non-blood specimen handling as a key competency since incorrect procedures compromise diagnostic accuracy and may require recollection, causing delays and inconvenience for the patient.