Testing Stool for Occult Blood

Goal: An uncontaminated stool sample is obtained, following collection guidelines, and then transported to the laboratory within the recommended time frame, without adverse effect.

1. Bring necessary equipment to the bedside stand or overbed table.

2. Perform hand hygiene and put on PPE, if indicated.

3. Identify the patient. Discuss with the patient the need for a stool sample. Explain to the patient the process by which the stool will be collected, either from a bedpan, commode, or plastic receptacle in the toilet.

4. If sending the specimen to the laboratory, check specimen label with patient identification bracelet. Label should include patient’s name and identification number, time specimen was collected, route of collection, identification of the person obtaining the sample, and any other information required by agency policy.

5. Close curtains around bed or close the door to the room, if possible.

6. Place the plastic collection receptacle in the toilet, if applicable. Assist the patient to the bathroom or onto the bedside commode, or assist the patient onto the bedpan. Instruct the patient not to urinate or discard toilet paper with the stool.

7. After the patient defecates, assist the patient out of the bathroom, off the commode, or remove the bedpan. Perform hand hygiene and put on disposable gloves.

8. With wooden applicator, apply a small amount of stool from the center of the bowel movement onto one window of the Hemoccult testing card. With opposite end of wooden applicator, obtain another sample of stool from another area and apply a small amount of stool onto second window of Hemoccult card.

9. Close flap over stool samples.

10. If sending to the laboratory, label the specimen card per facility policy. Place in a sealable plastic biohazard bag and send to the laboratory immediately.

11. If testing at bedside, open flap on opposite side of card and place two drops of developer over each window and wait the time stated in the manufacturer’s instructions.

12. Observe card for any blue areas.

13. Discard Hemoccult testing slide appropriately, according to facility policy. Remove gloves and any other PPE, if used. Perform hand hygiene.