Logan Reid
Stool samples are used to diagnose conditions involving the digestive tract. They can help healthcare providers detect bacteria, viruses, and other germs that may be causing stomach issues. If you've been asked to provide a stool sample, your healthcare provider will give you a collection kit with a plastic container for the sample. It's important to avoid mixing urine with the stool sample, as this can interfere with the results. You should submit the sample to a lab or your healthcare provider's office as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours of collection. If you can't submit the sample immediately, you can store it in the refrigerator for a short time, but be sure to follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Collection | Pass stool into a large clean container (e.g. a cut-out milk jug) or onto newspaper placed under the toilet seat. Transfer the stool into the cup using a tongue depressor or a plastic spoon. |
| Urination | Urinate before collecting the stool sample to avoid mixing urine with the stool sample. |
| Container | The container should be labelled with the patient's full name, date, and time of collection. |
| Submission | Submit the sample to the lab within 24 hours of collection. If the sample cannot be transported within this time, it should be refrigerated and submitted within 48 hours. |
| Storage | Store the sample in a sealed bag in the refrigerator, away from food. |
| Handling | Wash hands before and after handling the sample. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a collection kit
If you are using a collection kit, it should contain everything you need. Before you begin, wash your hands and dry them with a paper towel.
The collection kit will include a collection hat, which you should place on the rim of the toilet bowl. Close the toilet seat on the collection hat to hold it in place. It is important to avoid contact with urine, so if you need to, urinate before you collect your stool sample.
Once you have collected the sample, use the spoon or spatula provided to transfer the stool to the container. Aim to fill around a third of the container—this is about the size of a walnut. Screw the lid shut, and label the container with your full name, date, and time of collection.
If you are unable to deliver the sample to the lab or your healthcare provider's office immediately, you can store it in the refrigerator for a short time. However, it is important to submit the sample as soon as possible, as the bacteria in the stool can multiply, leading to inaccurate test results.
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Avoid urine contamination
To provide a stool sample to a hospital without urine contamination, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Here are some general guidelines to avoid urine contamination:
Before Collection
It is recommended to urinate before collecting your stool sample to avoid mixing urine with the sample. This is important because urine contamination can interfere with the accuracy of the test results.
Collection Methods
There are a few different ways to collect a stool sample while avoiding urine contamination:
- Using a Stool Collection Kit: Place the collection hat on the toilet bowl rim and close the toilet seat to hold it in place. After passing stool, use the provided wooden stick or scoop to place the required amount of stool into the specimen cup.
- Using a Container: Place a large clean container, such as a cut-out milk jug, under the toilet seat. Alternatively, you can place a piece of plastic wrap between the toilet seat and rim to catch the sample. Pass stool directly into the container, avoiding contact with urine. If you have loose stools, it is recommended to use a container instead of plastic wrap.
- Using a Newspaper: Place a newspaper under the seat of the toilet. However, this method is not suitable for loose stools.
Transferring the Sample
If you used a container or newspaper to collect the sample, you will need to transfer it to the provided stool cup or a sterile container. Use a tongue depressor, plastic spoon, or disposable spoon for this purpose.
Labelling and Submission
Label the container or test card with your full name, date, and time of collection. Submit the specimen to the lab as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. Some tests may require refrigeration during this period, so follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
Note: Stool tests are used to diagnose various health issues such as bowel cancer, gut infections, and inflammation. They can detect the presence of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and hidden blood.
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Submit to the lab within 24 hours
It is important to submit your stool sample to the lab as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of collection. This is because the accuracy of the test results depends on the freshness of the sample. If the sample is not fresh, the bacteria in it can multiply, leading to inaccurate test results.
If you cannot submit the sample within 24 hours, you may need to store it in a refrigerator for a short time. However, it is important to note that some tests cannot be performed on refrigerated samples, so always check with your healthcare provider for specific instructions. When storing the sample in the refrigerator, make sure it is in a sealed plastic bag and kept away from food.
Different tests may have specific requirements for specimen handling and submission time. For example, for a Clostridium Difficile test, the specimen should be refrigerated and submitted within 24 hours. For an Occult Blood test, refrigeration is also required, and the sample should be submitted within 24 hours.
It is always best to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the laboratory. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact them. They will provide you with specific guidelines for collecting and submitting your stool sample.
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Wash hands before and after
Hand hygiene is an important part of providing a stool sample. Before collecting your stool sample, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly to avoid contaminating the sample. Wet your hands and apply soap, then rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. Use a paper towel to dry your hands and turn off the faucet.
After collecting the sample, you should wash your hands again, following the same steps as above. Handwashing after providing a stool sample is a crucial step in maintaining good hygiene and preventing the spread of bacteria and potential pathogens.
It is also important to note that you should avoid touching the inside of the toilet or the collection container with your hands. Use the tools provided in the collection kit, such as a tongue depressor or a plastic spoon, to transfer the stool sample into the container.
Additionally, if you need to urinate, it is recommended to do so before collecting the stool sample. This helps to avoid mixing urine with the stool, as it can interfere with the accuracy of the test results.
Remember to always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the laboratory, as they may have additional guidelines for collecting and handling stool samples.
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Store in a sealed bag in the fridge
If you are unable to deliver your stool sample to the lab or your healthcare provider's office immediately, you may need to store it in a refrigerator. It is important to note that stool samples should be fresh as the bacteria in them can multiply and affect the accuracy of the test results.
Your healthcare provider should advise you on how long you can store your stool sample in the refrigerator. If you are instructed to store your sample in the refrigerator, make sure it is stored in a sealed bag and kept as far away from food as possible.
To prepare your stool sample for storage, you will need to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the laboratory. In most cases, you will be provided with a specimen container with your name and birth date. You may also receive a stool collection kit that includes a collection hat, a tongue depressor, or a spoon/spatula for transferring the stool into the container.
After collecting your sample, be sure to seal the container shut and place it in a sealed plastic bag before storing it in the refrigerator. This will help to prevent any contamination or odour from affecting other items in the refrigerator.
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Frequently asked questions
Your healthcare provider will give you a collection kit with a plastic container. Place the container on the toilet seat and pass the stool directly into it. If you have loose stools, pass it into a large clean container, such as a cut-out milk jug, and use the provided spoon to transfer a small amount into the collection container.
Keep the sample fresh and submit it to the lab as soon as possible. If you cannot submit it immediately, store it in a refrigerator for a short time, following any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Make sure the container is sealed and kept away from food.
Submit your sample within 24 hours of collection, as some tests cannot be performed on refrigerated samples, and bacteria levels can change, affecting the accuracy of the results.
