Collection of specimen of faeces

Any persistent alteration in a client’s bowel habits needs to be investigated as it may indicate a serious disorder. Therefore, the nurse may be required to collect a specimen of faeces, which will be sent to the laboratory for investigation. Single specimens may be collected for microscopy, culture and sensitivity if an infection is suspected, to determine the micro-organisms. Three consecutive specimens may be requested if we are looking for blood not detectable by the human eye (faeces for occult blood, FOB) or, if the client is passing pale, bulky stools, we sometimes collect all faecal output for three consecutive days (faecal fat collection). It is therefore important to ascertain which type of specimen is required and assess the client’s ability to co-operate beforehand.

Equipment:
Bedpan (and sundries as necessary)
Appropriate specimen container duly labelled with client’s details, date and accurate time of collection
Completed specimen forms
Plastic bag
Category-3 stickers if client is considered a high risk
Gloves

Procedure	Rationale
Explain the procedure to the client and ensure understanding and ability to participate, as necessary	To gain the client’s consent and co-operation
Provide client with a clean bedpan	To reduce the risk of contaminating the specimen
Place the bedpan on the toilet/ commode	To ensure privacy for the client
Wash hands and put on gloves and disposable apron before handling the bedpan containing the specimen	To minimize the risk of cross-infection
Examine the specimen in the sluice using the spoon incorporated in the lid of the sample container	To identify any obvious abnormalities. To prevent contamination
Fill the specimen bottle to at least onethird full	To obtain a usable amount of specimen
If segments of tapeworm are seen these should be included in the faecal sample and sent to the laboratory	For identification
Dispose of the bedpan and/or contents appropriately	To minimize infection risks
For infants and clients who are incontinent, faeces can be obtained directly from a nappy or pad by scraping it with the scoop of the collecting vessel	To obtain specimen, reduce possible difficulty and reduce potential embarrassment in older clients
Remove gloves and apron and wash hands	To reduce the risk of cross-infection
Ensure the specimen container is clearly labelled and placed in a specimen bag. This should be accompanied by a specimen request form	For correct identification of the specimen