Collecting stool sample, how long can i keep it?

I've been trying to collect a stool sample to bring in for a worm test for my older cat who has become very thin. They've tested for other things and so far nothing unusual shows up. Since I have other cats, I've been locking her in a room with her own litter box during the day, hoping to get a sample that I could take to the vet. She's outsmarted me consistently and has peed in the box, but not pooped. Until just now, at 9pm. Is it too long to try to keep it and bring it in to the vet tomorrow morning? How "fresh" does it have to be?

Thanks for any advice.

usually 12 hours or 24 if refiderated

Originally Posted by sharky

usually 12 hours or 24 if refiderated

Click to expand...

Oh, that's great, it would be just about 12 hours, but I can scoop it now and refrigerate it.

Thank so much!

our vet says 24 hours and keep in the fridge once collected until brought in.

Everyone else is right but if you can't get one, the vet can just get one with a fecal loop I think they are called. That is the easiest way because it is super fresh.