Hailey Tran
Stool samples are used to diagnose conditions involving the digestive tract, including infections, inflammation, and gastrointestinal diseases. They can also be used to screen for colon cancer. If you are asked to provide a stool sample, your healthcare provider will give you a collection kit with instructions and all the supplies you need. Here are some general guidelines for collecting a stool sample in a hospital setting:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Timing | The sample should be submitted to the lab within two hours of collection. If not, it should be stored in a refrigerator and submitted within 24 hours. |
| Container | The stool sample should be collected in a small plastic container provided by the hospital or healthcare provider. |
| Collection method | Place the collection hat on the toilet bowl rim. Close the toilet seat on the collection hat to hold it in place. Pass the stool directly into the container, avoiding contact with urine or toilet water. |
| Transfer | Use a disposable spoon, spatula, or tongue depressor to transfer a small amount of stool to the container. |
| Labelling | Label the container with your full name, date of birth, date, and time of collection. If the specimen is bloody, write "bloody" on the label. |
| Storage | Store the sample at room temperature (68 °F to 77 °F or 20 °C to 25 °C) or in a refrigerator, sealed in a plastic bag. Keep it away from food. |
| Submission | Bring the sample to a Laboratory Service Center or the hospital lab as soon as possible. |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing to collect a stool sample
Collecting a stool sample is a simple process, but it's important to follow the correct procedure to ensure the accuracy of your test results. Here are some detailed instructions to prepare you for the collection:
Firstly, it is recommended to avoid certain medications within 48 hours before the collection, including Pepto Bismol, Maalox, mineral oil, and antacids. This is to prevent any interference with the test results. If you have recently had a barium swallow procedure, you must wait until the barium has passed from your system before collecting a stool sample.
On the day of collection, ensure you have all the necessary supplies within easy reach. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before beginning the collection process. If you are using a collection kit, it should include a specimen container, a submission bag, and possibly gloves, a disposable potty, a label, and a spatula or spoon. Place the collection hat on the toilet bowl rim and close the toilet seat to hold it in place.
If you are collecting a sample for a child, ensure there are no creams or ointments on their bottom, as these can contaminate the sample. However, if the child has diaper rash, it is acceptable to use cornstarch, petroleum jelly, or Resinol, as these products will not affect the test.
If you need to urinate, do so before the collection to prevent any urine from mixing with the stool sample, which can interfere with the results.
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Collecting the sample
Collecting a stool sample in a hospital setting typically involves using a stool collection kit provided by the healthcare provider. This kit ensures that the sample is collected safely and hygienically. Here is a step-by-step guide to collecting a stool sample:
- Wash your hands: Before beginning the collection process, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This helps maintain hygiene and prevents contamination.
- Prepare the collection kit: Open the collection kit and lay out its contents. Typically, this kit includes a collection hat, a specimen cup or container, a lid, and sometimes a wooden stick or spoon for transferring the stool.
- Place the collection hat: Lift the toilet seat and place the collection hat securely on the rim of the toilet bowl. Close the toilet seat onto the collection hat to hold it in place.
- Have a bowel movement: Sit on the toilet and have a regular bowel movement as usual. It is important to avoid urinating during this process, as urine contamination can interfere with the test results.
- Transfer the stool: Use the provided spoon, spatula, or wooden stick to transfer a small amount of stool into the specimen cup or container. If loose stools are passed, ensure they are collected directly into the container to avoid any spillage. Fill the container to just under halfway.
- Secure the lid: Once the specimen cup is sufficiently filled, securely close the lid to keep the contents sterile and prevent contamination.
- Label the container: Clearly label the container with your full name, date of birth, date, and time of collection. This information is crucial for specimen identification and tracking.
- Dispose of waste: Dispose of any waste, including the collection hat and wooden stick, in a plastic bag. Tie it up tightly and place it in the waste bin.
- Wash hands again: After completing the collection process, wash your hands again with soap and water to maintain hygiene. Dry your hands with a paper towel and use it to turn off the faucet.
It is important to follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the laboratory for collecting and handling stool samples. Additionally, if you have recently undergone a barium swallow procedure, it is essential to delay the collection until the barium has passed from your system.
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Labelling the sample
- Personal Information: Write your full name and date of birth on the container. This information helps identify the sample as yours and matches it to your medical records.
- Date and Time: Include the date and time of collection. Specifying the time can be crucial, especially if the test requires analysing fresh samples or those collected at specific times of the day.
- Sample Characteristics: If there are any noticeable characteristics about the sample, such as the presence of blood or a watery consistency, indicate this on the label. For example, if the sample is bloody, write "bloody" on the label.
- Collection Details: Note any relevant details about the collection, such as whether it was a single specimen or one of multiple specimens collected that day. This information helps the laboratory technicians understand the context of the sample.
- Test Information: If you are aware of the specific test or tests that will be performed on the sample, include this information on the label. This can help the laboratory staff process the sample efficiently.
- EPIC Registration Label: In some cases, you may be provided with an EPIC registration label to affix to the container. This label may contain pre-printed information and fields to fill out, streamlining the sample processing and tracking process.
- Completeness and Legibility: Ensure that the label is completely filled out and that your writing is clear and legible. Incomplete or illegible labels can lead to delays or errors in processing your sample.
- Consistency Across Forms: If you are required to fill out additional forms or documentation, ensure that the information on the label matches the information on these forms. Consistency helps maintain accurate records and facilitates smooth processing.
Remember, accurate and detailed labelling is essential to ensure the proper handling and processing of your stool sample. Always follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the laboratory, as there may be additional or unique labelling requirements for your particular situation.
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Storing the sample
Storing the stool sample correctly is crucial to ensure accurate test results. Here are the detailed steps you should follow for proper storage:
After collecting the stool sample, it's important to store it properly before transporting it to the laboratory or your healthcare provider. Here are the key steps for storing the sample:
- Labelling: Start by labelling the container with your full name, date of birth, and the date and time of collection. This information is essential for accurate identification and record-keeping.
- Sealing the Container: Screw the lid of the container tightly to prevent leakage and ensure that the sample is securely sealed.
- Storing at Room Temperature: Most stool samples should be stored at room temperature, typically between 68 °F to 77 °F (20 °C to 25 °C). Place the sealed container in a plastic biohazard bag and keep it in a safe place at room temperature.
- Time Sensitivity: Stool samples should be delivered to the laboratory or healthcare provider as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of collection. The bacteria in the stool can grow and change over time, affecting the accuracy of the test results.
- Refrigeration: If you cannot deliver the sample within the specified timeframe, refrigeration may be required. Check with your healthcare provider or refer to the instructions in your stool sample kit to determine if refrigeration is necessary for the specific test.
- Special Instructions: Certain tests may have unique storage requirements. For example, if you're testing for Clostridium difficile, refrigeration may be specifically instructed. Always refer to the provided instructions or consult with your healthcare provider if you have any doubts about storage conditions.
Remember, it's important to follow these storage instructions carefully to ensure the integrity of the sample and obtain accurate test results. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
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Transporting the sample
- Timing: It is best to transport the sample to the laboratory as soon as possible. The earlier the sample is submitted, the better, as it ensures accurate test results. If you cannot deliver the sample immediately, it should be stored in a refrigerator, ideally within 24 hours of collection.
- Container: Use the provided specimen container or cup to collect the stool sample. Ensure that the container is properly labelled with your full name, date of birth, date, and time of collection. If the specimen is bloody, indicate this by writing "bloody" on the label.
- Sealing: After collecting the sample, seal the container tightly to prevent any leakage or contamination. Place the sealed container in the provided plastic biohazard bag.
- Storage: Store the sample at room temperature (68 °F to 77 °F or 20 °C to 25 °C) if you plan to transport it within a few hours. If you need to store it for a more extended period, place the sealed bag in the refrigerator, ensuring it is far away from food items.
- Transport Media: For certain tests, you may need to place the specimen into transport media. This involves adding the stool sample to a vial until the fluid reaches a specific level, as indicated by a red line or black arrow. Gently mix the contents and leave the vial at room temperature if submitting within 24 hours.
- Delivery: Transport the sample to the specified laboratory or hospital. Some healthcare providers may require you to submit the sample at their office, while others may accept samples at a Laboratory Service Center. Follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
Remember, it is essential to follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider and submit the sample as soon as possible to ensure accurate and timely test results.
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