Stool Collection Instructions: Click on the title of the Patient Information sheet(s) you would like to read Table of Contents Collecting Stool Specimens for Culture 814902 Collecting Stool Specimens For Parasitology 814903 Collection of 72 Hour Stool Fat 828204 Collection of Stool for Occult Blood 828205 Collection of Stool for Clostridium difficile..828213
Patient information Instructions For Collecting Stool Specimens For Culture THE LIQUID IN THE CONTAINER IS NOT TOXIC. 1. Do not use a laxative before collection of stool specimen. 2. It is very important that water or urine does not come in contact with the stool. Stool may be collected in a clean dry container or a plastic sheet such as Saran Wrap may be placed over the toilet. 3. Collect a sample of stool about the size of a marble using the spoon in the cap of the container. If the stool is liquid collect 2 or 3 spoonfuls especially any area that is mucoid or bloody. Tighten cap securely and mix specimen thoroughly. 4. Label specimen container with your full Name, Date and Time of collection. 5. Bring specimen to the Laboratory as soon as possible. 6. Two stool samples from separate bowel movements 24 hours apart are usually collected. However, your doctor may instruct you otherwise. 814902 Dec. 02
Patient information Instructions For Collecting Stool Specimens For Parasitology THE LIQUID IN THE CONTAINER IS POISONOUS AND MAY IRRITATE YOUR SKIN. IF INGESTED OR SPLASHED IN EYES, CALL YOUR DOCTOR. IF SPLASHED ON SKIN WASH WELL WITH SOAP AND WATER. 1. Do not use a laxative before collection of stool specimen. 2. It is very important that water or urine does not come in contact with the stool. The stool may be collected in a clean dry container or a plastic sheet such as Saran Wrap may be placed over the toilet. 3. Collect a sample or stool about the size of a walnut. If the stool is liquid collect about 1 oz. (25 ml). Especially any area that is mucoid or bloody. Tighten cap securely and mix specimen thoroughly. 4. Label specimen container with your full Name, Date and Time of collection. 5. Bring specimen to the Laboratory as soon as possible. 6. One sample only is required for testing for parasites. 814903 Dec. 02
Collection of 72HR Stool Fat Patient Information www.interiorhealth.ca For correct test results, follow these instructions carefully. The sample must be collected in the pre-weighed container (large metal can) provided by the Laboratory. No other sample container is acceptable. During the collection period, all feces (stool) must be placed in the container. Note: Only stool should go into the metal collection can. Do Not let urine or toilet tissue mix with the sample. 1. Collect All stool passed for a 72 hour (3 days) period. 2. Collect all stool into the large metal can that is given to you by the laboratory. 3. For a baby, stool from diapers is scraped into the metal collection can using the tongue depressors provided. 4. For a child not in diapers, collect the stool in a container in the toilet bowl, from a potty, or the child can sit directly on the metal collection can. 5. For an adult, collect the stool directly into the metal collection can. 6. If, during the collection time, the can is getting to be more than 2/3 full, obtain another metal collection can from the laboratory to complete the test. 7. Keep the metal collection can in a cool place and keep the lid of the can on tightly. 8. Label the container with the patient s first and last name, date of birth, and the START and FINISH date and time of collection of the sample. 9. For sanitary reasons, the container must be enclosed in a plastic or paper bag. Deliver the collection container to the laboratory as soon as possible after completion of the collection. (During normal hours of operation.) You must present your current medical card and your physician s order form to the Laboratory Personnel. Example: Collect FIRST sample Oct 1 st at 7:00 am This time is noted as the START TIME. Write the START TIME and DATE on the metal can collection label. Collect ALL stool samples for a complete 72 hours. Collect LAST sample Oct 4 th at 7:00 am This time is noted as the FINISH TIME. Write the FINISH TIME and DATE on the metal can collection label. BC Nurse Line 828204 Oct 07 1-866-215-4700 (toll free) Talk to a Nurse 24 hours/day, 7 days/week Pharmacist available 5pm - 9am daily www.bchealthguide.org
Collection of Stool for Occult Blood Patient Information www.interiorhealth.ca Before collecting stool samples you must read and follow the diet and medicine guidelines/precautions on the other side of this instruction sheet. 1. The envelope from the laboratory contains 3 test slides. Each has 2 sides (A + B) with 3 applicator sticks. 2. On each of the slides, write your first and last name, date of birth, and the date and time of the collection. 3. Collect the stool sample in a clean dry container. Do not contaminate sample with urine or toilet water. 4. Open the first slide. 5. Using the applicator stick, pick up a small sample and smear THINLY to cover Box A 6. Using the same applicator stick, pick up another sample from another part of the stool, and smear it THINLY over Box B. 7. Close and secure the slide flap of section 1. 8. Discard the applicator in the garbage. Do not throw it in the toilet. 9. If your physician has ordered more than one sample, repeat the above steps for each test slide you have been given. Collect samples from your next bowel movement. 10. Close the cover by putting the tab under the tab holder. Put it in the envelope and close. Deliver the samples to the Laboratory when all collections are finished. No later than 14 days after the first sample collection. You must present your current medical card and your physician s order form to the Laboratory Personnel. 828205 Oct 07
Collection of Stool for Occult Blood Diet and Medicine Guidelines/Precautions Patient Information www.interiorhealth.ca Your physician has ordered a laboratory test, which will require you to follow food and medicine restrictions before and during testing. For correct test results, you must follow these instructions carefully. Do not collect samples if you have bleeding hemorrhoids or blood in your urine. If you are having your menstrual period, do not collect samples until after you stop bleeding. Diet Guidelines For three days before and during stool collection period, avoid red meats (beef, lamb,and liver). Eat a well balanced diet including fiber such as bran cereals, fruits and vegetables. Drug Guidelines For seven days before and during the stool collection period, avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen or aspirin (more than one adult aspirin a day). Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be taken as needed. For three days before and during the stool collection period, avoid Vitamin C in excess of 250 mg a day from supplements, citrus fruits and juices. BC Nurse Line 1-866-215-4700 (toll free) Talk to a Nurse 24 hours/day, 7 days/week Pharmacist available 5pm - 9am daily www.bchealthguide.org
Collection of Stool for Clostridum difficile Patient Information www.interiorhealth.ca 1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly. 2. Collect stool sample into a clean dry container such as a disposable food container, or onto plastic wrap stretched under the toilet seat. Note: DO NOT contaminate sample with urine or toilet water. 3. Remove the lid on the STERILE container and set it aside. 4. Add 2-3 spoonfuls of stool into sample container. 5. Replace the lid and tighten firmly. 6. Wash hands thoroughly after collection. 7. Label the container with the patient s first and last name, date of birth, and the date and time of collection of the sample. 8. For sanitary reasons, the container must be enclosed in a plastic bag. Refrigerate the stool sample IMMEDIATELY and deliver to the Laboratory as soon as possible after completion of the collection. The sample must arrive at the Laboratory within 18 hours of collection. (during normal operating hours) You must present your current medical card and your physician s order form to the Laboratory Personnel. Please complete the questionnaire on side 2 and drop it off with your sample. 828213 Oct 07 BC Nurse Line 1-866-215-4700 (toll free) Talk to a Nurse 24 hours/day, 7 days/week Pharmacist available 5pm - 9am daily www.bchealthguide.org
Collection of Stool for Clostridum difficile Patient History The Laboratory requires the following personal information to accurately process the sample you are providing. NAME: 1. Have you experienced diarrhea? No Yes 2. Was the stool bloody? No Yes 3. Did you have stomach cramps? No Yes 4. Onset date of symptoms 5. What other symptoms did you experience (eg. fever, vomiting, gas, bloating, etc.)? 6. Are you taking any antibiotics? Current Recent No Yes Name: Date 7. Are you receiving any chemotherapeutic drugs? No Yes Name Date 8. Have you ever had C.difficile in the past? No Yes Date