Don't forget the fecal sample

Frustrated with the number of clients who forget to bring a fecal sample? The team at Metzger Animal Hospital in State College, Pa., created a new protocol to lock in fecal exams:

1. Receptionists tell each client who schedules an appointment to bring a fecal sample just in case the doctor wants it.

2. Clients pay for the fecal at the time of the exam. If they don't bring a sample, team members send home a collection vial with a label that explains how much poop to scoop—at least half a vial—and how to store it. Once the client brings the sample, team members send it to an outside lab.

"We tell the owner we will call with results only if the sample is positive for parasites," says Ciera Miller, CVT, a Firstline Editorial Advisory Board member.

3. Out-of-town clients can opt for an in-house fecal. "We have a lot of out-of-town clients who would be inconvenienced to drive back just for a fecal sample," Miller says. "In this case, we can perform an in-house fecal. This approach has worked great for us."