Collecting Stool Specimens

1. Collecting Stool Specimens Heather Nelson, RN

2. Collecting Stool Specimens • The nurse needs to determine the reason for collecting the stool specimen and the correct method of obtaining and handling it (i.e., how much stool to obtain, whether a preservative needs to be added to the stool, and whether it needs to be sent immediately to the laboratory). • Confirm handing of stool with the hospital laboratory if necessary.

3. Nurses Need to Instruct Patients: • To defecate in a clean or sterile bedpan or bedside commode. • Do not contaminate the specimen with urine or menstrual discharge if possible. Void before the specimen collection. • Do not place toilet tissue in the bedpan or hat after defecation, since contents of the paper can affect the laboratory analysis. • Notify the nurse as soon as possible after defecation, particularly for specimens that need to be sent to the laboratory immediately.

4. Obtaining sample from a baby • Obtain newly passed feces from the diaper.

5. Obtaining Stool Samples • The nurse should follow medical aseptic technique. • Wear gloves to prevent hand contamination. • Take care not to contaminate the outside of the specimen container. • Use clean tongue blades to transfer the specimen to the container.

6. Obtaining Stool Samples • The amount of stool to be sent to the lab depends on the purpose for which the specimen is collected. • Usually about 2.5 cm (1 inch) of formed stool or 15 to 30 ml of liquid stool is adequate. • For some timed specimens, the entire stool passed may need to be sent. • Confirm with the lab the size of the sample required.

7. Obtaining Stool Samples • Visible pus, mucus, or blood should be included in sample specimens. • For a stool culture, dip a sterile swab into the specimen and place the swab in a sterile test tube.

8. Obtaining Stool Samples • Send the specimen to the lab immediately. • If this is not possible, follow the directions on the specimen container.