Assessing whether testing of rectal swabs is as accurate as bulk faeces testing in diagnosis of bacterial infections.

We will compare paired stool and rectal swab sample PCR testing to investigate whether rectal swabs are a reliable proxy for faecal sampling. Tests would be done in accordance with normal clinical practice. Persons who would normally be provided with a faecal specimen jar, will also be provided with a rectal swab to perform themselves (within 24 hours of the faeces collection, preferably as the first step). Written instructions with diagrams will be provided to the participant prior to testing. The person will obtain 1x faecal sample and 1x rectal swab sample. Rectal swab collection was carried out at the same time as stool sample production and was obtained by self-insertion via the anus to a depth of 2–3 cm and rotated 3-5 times and ensure it is soiled. Faecal samples and rectal swabs will be returned to a local hospital to be sent to Pathology Queensland. These will be sent to FSS for paired sample testing of Hepatitis A PCR if they are part of a Hepatitis A cluster. The samples will be sent to Pathology Queensland for multiplex PCR assays for a range of organisms (including norovirus) if the setting is in community settings or hospital and not part of an outbreak.