PROCEDURE CHECKLIST

Chapter 30, Skill 30-02: Obtaining a Stool Specimen for Culture, and Ova and Parasites

Check () Yes or No

PROCEDURE STEPS Yes No COMMENTS

1. Reviews the physician’s orders for type of test and
stool specimen to obtain.
2. Follows the “Initial Implementation Steps.”
3. Provides privacy during elimination.
4. Dons clean exam gloves.
5. If the patient is able to get up, places the specimen pan
under the rim of the toilet or bedside commode.
Otherwise, places the patient on the clean and dry bedpan,
or assists to the bedside commode or toilet.
6. Instructs the patient to empty the bladder if necessary
before defecation.
7. After the bowels have moved, removes the bedpan if
one is in use; assists the patient to clean the perineal area
as needed.
8. If the patient got up for the bowel movement, assists
the patient back to bed and makes him or her comfortable.
9. Using a clean tongue blade, collects 1 to 2 inches of
formed stool or 1 to 2 ounces of liquid stool, and places
inside the appropriate specimen container for the ordered
test. Takes the stool specimen from at least two areas of
the feces. Closes the container lid securely.
10. Completes and applies a label to the specimen
container, including the patient’s name, ID number, and
room number; the physician’s name; the test to be run; and
the date and time of specimen collection. Places the
capped specimen container inside a plastic bag for
delivery of the specimen to the laboratory.
11. Empties the bedpan or bedside commode of any
remaining stool. Flushes the toilet and cleans the bedpan
or bedside commode.
12. Removes contaminated gloves and wash hands.
13. Follows the “Ending Steps.”
14. Delivers specimen to lab within 15 minutes.
15. Documents procedure in patient chart.

Recommendation: Pass _____ Needs more practice _____

Student: Date:

Instructor: Date:

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