COLLECTING

STOOL SPECIMEN
 WHY DO WE EXAMINE STOOL?

STOOL IS COLLECTED to determine the presence of blood, ova

and parasites, bile, fat, pathogens, or substances such as
ingested drugs.

Gross examination of stool characteristics, such as color,

consistency, and odor, can reveal such conditions as
gastrointestinal bleeding and steatorrhea (excess fat in feces).
 WHAT YOU’LL NEED?
Specimen container with lid
Gloves
Two tongue blades
Paper towel or paper bag
Bedpan or portable commode
Two patient-care reminders (for timed specimens)
Lab request form and lab biohazard transport bag
 HOW IT’S DONE

1. Perform hand washing

2. Explain the procedure to

the patient and significant
others.
HOW IT’S DONE
3. Tell the patient to notify you when he has the urge to defecate.
Have him defecate into a clean, dry bedpan or commode. Instruct him
not to contaminate the specimen with urine or toilet tissue.
HOW IT’S DONE

4. Put gloves on
HOW IT’S DONE
5. Using a tongue blade, transfer the most representative stool
specimen from the bedpan to the container, and cap the
container. If the patient passes blood, mucus, or pus with the
stool, include this with the specimen
HOW IT’S DONE
6. Wrap the tongue blade in a paper towel and discard it.
Remove and discard your gloves, and wash your hands
thoroughly to prevent cross-contamination.