A stool sample is a small amount of feces that is collected for medical testing. Stool samples can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions, including gastrointestinal infections, parasitic infections, and certain types of cancer.
Collecting a stool sample is a simple and painless procedure. However, it is important to collect the sample correctly in order to ensure that the test results are accurate. This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to collect a stool sample.
Before you begin, you will need to gather the following materials:
Collecting a Stool Sample
Table of Contents
Stool samples can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions, so it is important to collect the sample correctly in order to ensure that the test results are accurate.
- Wash your hands
- Collect the sample
- Store the sample
- Label the sample
Once you have collected the sample, it is important to store it properly and label it with your name and the date.
Wash your hands
It is important to wash your hands before collecting a stool sample to prevent contamination of the sample.
- Use soap and water. Lather your hands with soap and water and rub them together for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to wash all surfaces of your hands, including your palms, backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Rinse your hands thoroughly. Rinse your hands with clean water and dry them with a clean towel.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. If soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Apply the hand sanitizer to your hands and rub them together until they are dry.
- Avoid touching your face. Once you have washed your hands, avoid touching your face, as this could contaminate the sample.
By following these steps, you can help to ensure that your stool sample is not contaminated and that the test results are accurate.
Collect the sample
To collect a stool sample, you will need a clean container, such as a stool collection cup or a clean plastic bag.
- Use a clean container. Do not use a container that has been used for anything else, as this could contaminate the sample.
- Collect the sample. Collect a small amount of stool, about the size of a walnut, and place it in the container.
- Avoid touching the inside of the container. When collecting the sample, avoid touching the inside of the container, as this could contaminate the sample.
- Close the container. Once you have collected the sample, close the container tightly.
If you are unable to collect a stool sample immediately, you can store the sample in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it is best to collect the sample and submit it to the laboratory as soon as possible.
Store the sample
Once you have collected the stool sample, it is important to store it properly to prevent contamination and ensure that the test results are accurate.
If you are unable to submit the sample to the laboratory immediately, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it is best to submit the sample to the laboratory as soon as possible.
To store the sample in the refrigerator, place the container in a sealed plastic bag and label it with your name and the date.
If you need to store the sample for longer than 24 hours, you can freeze it. To freeze the sample, place the container in a sealed plastic bag and label it with your name and the date. The sample can be stored in the freezer for up to one month.
Label the sample
Once you have collected and stored the stool sample, it is important to label it properly to ensure that it can be identified and tested correctly.
- Use a waterproof marker. Use a waterproof marker to label the container with your name, date of birth, and the date the sample was collected.
- Write clearly and legibly. Write clearly and legibly so that the laboratory can easily identify the sample.
- Attach the label to the container. Attach the label to the container securely so that it does not fall off.
- Include any additional information. If your doctor has given you any specific instructions for labeling the sample, be sure to follow those instructions.
By following these steps, you can help to ensure that your stool sample is properly labeled and that the test results are accurate.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about collecting a stool sample:
Question 1: How do I collect a stool sample?
Answer 1: To collect a stool sample, you will need a clean container, such as a stool collection cup or a clean plastic bag. Collect a small amount of stool, about the size of a walnut, and place it in the container. Avoid touching the inside of the container. Close the container tightly.
Question 2: How do I store the stool sample?
Answer 2: If you are unable to submit the sample to the laboratory immediately, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it is best to submit the sample to the laboratory as soon as possible. To store the sample in the refrigerator, place the container in a sealed plastic bag and label it with your name and the date. If you need to store the sample for longer than 24 hours, you can freeze it. To freeze the sample, place the container in a sealed plastic bag and label it with your name and the date. The sample can be stored in the freezer for up to one month.
Question 3: How do I label the stool sample?
Answer 3: Use a waterproof marker to label the container with your name, date of birth, and the date the sample was collected. Write clearly and legibly so that the laboratory can easily identify the sample. Attach the label to the container securely so that it does not fall off. Include any additional information that your doctor has given you.
Question 4: What if I cannot collect a stool sample?
Answer 4: If you are unable to collect a stool sample, you should contact your doctor. Your doctor may be able to provide you with a different type of sample to collect, such as a blood or urine sample.
Question 5: What if my stool sample is bloody?
Answer 5: If your stool sample is bloody, you should contact your doctor immediately. Bloody stools can be a sign of a serious medical condition.
Question 6: What if I have any other questions about collecting a stool sample?
Answer 6: If you have any other questions about collecting a stool sample, you should contact your doctor or the laboratory where you will be submitting the sample.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your stool sample is collected and stored properly, and that the test results are accurate.
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some additional tips for collecting a stool sample:
Tips
Here are some additional tips for collecting a stool sample:
Tip 1: Collect the sample first thing in the morning. This will ensure that the sample is fresh and contains a representative amount of stool.
Tip 2: Avoid collecting the sample from the toilet bowl. This can contaminate the sample with bacteria and other substances.
Tip 3: If you are taking any medications, be sure to tell your doctor. Some medications can interfere with the test results.
Tip 4: Bring the sample to the laboratory as soon as possible. This will help to ensure that the sample is tested promptly and that the results are accurate.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your stool sample is collected and stored properly, and that the test results are accurate.
Collecting a stool sample is a simple and painless procedure. By following the instructions in this article, you can help to ensure that your sample is collected and stored properly, and that the test results are accurate.
Conclusion
Collecting a stool sample is a simple and painless procedure that can help to diagnose a variety of medical conditions. By following the instructions in this article, you can help to ensure that your sample is collected and stored properly, and that the test results are accurate.
Here are some key points to remember:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after collecting the sample.
- Collect the sample first thing in the morning.
- Avoid collecting the sample from the toilet bowl.
- Store the sample in a clean container in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Label the sample with your name, date of birth, and the date the sample was collected.
- Bring the sample to the laboratory as soon as possible.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your stool sample is collected and stored properly, and that the test results are accurate. This can help your doctor to diagnose and treat any medical conditions that you may have.