Collecting Stool Specimens Heather Nelson, RN

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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