Specimen Collection: Stool

Specimen Collection: Stool

General Guidelines
■ Use standard precautions when obtaining/handling specimen.
■ Freshest sample possible will yield optimal results.
■ Specimens should not contact urine or toilet water. Provide clean specimen hat, and instruct Pt to urinate into toilet first and discard (flush) urine before collecting stool sample.
■ 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 area labeled box A.
■ Use other end of wooden collection stick to obtain second sample from different area of stool and apply it onto area labeled box B.
■ Close card, turn over, and apply one drop of control solution to each box as indicated.
■ Color change is positive, indicating blood in stool.
■ Note: If Pt will be collecting specimens at home, instruct Pt to collect specified number of specimens, keep them at room temperature, and drop them off within designated time frame.
■ Document results on Pt’s record and notify physician if indicated.

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