The Protocult

A history of the Protocult Collection Device & ABC

For the past 30 years, Ability Building Community has been the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of the Protocult Collection Device.

The Protocult was created by a team of doctors led by Dr. David Ahlquist at Mayo Clinic with the hopes of detecting and preventing colon cancer early. Prior to Dr. Ahlquist's passing in 2020, the patent for the Protocult was gifted to ABC.

For order inquires, please reach out to:

Jennifer Talamantes Rochester Program Director (507)-535-3701 jennifert@abcinc.org

 FAQs

  • Yes, custom configurations, incorporating pre-printed or existing mailing envelopes, specific instructions, or personalized lab, clinic or hospital identification can be arranged with high volume orders.

  • Unless you are making a custom order or international order you should receive your order in 7-10 business days.

  • Protocult™ consists of a disposable water-resistant frame which supports an integrated tear-away paper collection dish. The device attaches conveniently to the toilet seat via adhesive-backed tapes. When sampling is completed, the collection dish and remaining waste are inoffensively flushed away, while the frame easily detaches from the toilet seat and is discarded in the trash.


  • Some (17%) caught their stool in a make-shift receptacle, such as a kitchen pan, bowl or coffee can. Others (10%) defecated into newspaper, toilet tissue, or wax paper held in the hand or placed on the floor. Still others (17%) reported that they had been unwilling or unable to collect their stool.*

    * AHLQUIST DA, ET AL. "A stool collection device: the first step in occult blood testing." Ann Intern Med. 1988; 108:609-612. Protocult™ stool collection devices are made in the U.S.A.