Specimen Collection Stool

Specimen Collection Stool

General Guidelines
■ Use standard precautions when obtaining/handling specimen.
■ The freshest sample possible will yield optimal results.
■ Specimens should not contact urine or toilet water.
■ Preservatives are poisonous; avoid contact with skin.

Occult Blood (Hemoccult, Guaiac)
■ Open collection card.
■ Obtain a small amount of stool with wooden collection stick and apply onto the area labeled box A.
■ Use the other end of the wooden collection stick to obtain a second sample from a different area of the stool and apply it onto the area labeled box B.
■ Close card, turn over and apply one drop of control solution to each box as indicated.
■ A color change is positive, indicating there is blood in the stool.
■ Note: If Pt will be collecting specimens at home, instruct Pt to collect the specified number of specimens, keep them at room temperature, and drop them off within the designated time frame.
■ Document results on Pt record and notify physician if indicated.

Cysts and Spores Ova and Parasites
■ Open collection containers.
■ Using the spoon attached to the cap, place bloody or slimy/ whitish (mucous) areas of the stool into each container.
■ Do not overfill the containers.
■ Place specimen in the empty container (clean vial) up to the fill line and replace cap and tighten securely.
■ Place enough specimen in the container with liquid preservative (fixative) until the liquid reaches the fill line and replace cap and tighten securely.
■ Shake the container with preservative until specimen is mixed.
■ Write Pt identification information and the date and time of collection on each of the containers, keep at room temperature, and send specimens to the laboratory
immediately after collection.
■ Note: If Pt will be collecting specimens at home, instruct Pt to collect the specified number of specimens, keep them at room temperature, and drop them off within the designated time frame.
■ Document: Record specimen collection in medical record.