Undoubtedly, stool tests are one of the lab tests you are going to do at some point. It is not a test that you will do as often as a CBC or a BMP, but even if it is once, you will have to do it.
There are several stool tests like Ova, cysts, parasites (OCP), Occult Blood, and H. Pylori which are the more common ones. OCP is requested a lot for individuals who are involved with preparing and handling food and H. Pylori is requested for someone who may have an H. pylori infection.
In spite of which tests you are doing, there are some basic standards and practices to follow when doing a stool test. Here are 7 tips to guide you in providing the best stool sample regardless of which test you are doing, so that you arrive at accurate results.
1. Obtain proper specimen container from lab
I have seen individuals bring in stool samples in the wrong container. We had to reject the specimen for that reason (it was not put in the proper container). Make sure you get the right container for your stool sample.
If you are in doubts about which container to get or use, ask your doctor or the lab. Usually, the lab will give you a container for your stool sample but if not you can purchase one from a pharmacy.
Dropping off stool samples in plastic bags or paper bags are not acceptable. I witnessed this one person who came in with her stool sample in a black plastic bag. And she even wanted us to transfer it to a stool container for her. Don’t let that be you! Using the proper container is best.
2. Write your name, DOB, address on the container
Write your name, date of birth, address, and the date on the container before dropping off the sample at the lab or doctor’s office. A good idea is to write it on there even before you put your poop in it. That way, if for some reason you forget, then you would be safe because you had wrote your name on it already.
Most containers have a place to put your personal information. However, I have seen people write their names on the top of the cover or on the side of the container as a way of making sure that their stool sample is not mistaken for someone else’s or the lab makes a mistake somewhere.
3. Fill the container to about one third
There is no need to fill the container to the top with poop. Only a small amount of poop is needed to do the test. I have seen stool samples that are way too much. I remember seeing this one container that was literally out of shape. I mean the cover was ready to pop out.
The truth is, only a bit of poop is needed to do the test. Whether it is OCP, Occult blood or H. Pylori, it doesn’t matter! Fill the container to about a third with poop and that should be enough.
Remember to follow these steps to do the sample the proper way:
- Put something in the toilet to catch your poop (potty, clean newspaper or plastic wrap over the rim of the toilet)
- Make sure your poop doesn’t touch the inside of the toilet
- Put a small amount of your poop in the container (using the spoon or spatula)
- Don’t mix urine with your stool. If you need to pee, do so before pooping.
4. Allow some air to pass over container before putting lid on
Before putting the lid on, allow the container to stay open for a few seconds. I have seen containers that contained liquid droplets and were filled with air, so that when they were opened poop gushed out. To avoid that, don’t cap the container immediately after putting poop into it. Wait a few seconds or so before placing the lid on.
5. Make sure the lid is screwed on properly
Screw on the lid tightly to avoid any accidents during transport and handling. If the lid is not placed on correctly, poop can ooze out if its soft or come out the container if the container falls or is tilted during transport and/or handling. If that happens the poop gets contaminated but also contaminates its surroundings as well. That means that the sample is not good and a new sample will be needed.
6. Put container in specimen bag
Always put your container in a sealed specimen bag. After putting your poop in the container, put the container in a specimen bag. That will stop contamination of surfaces and other materials during transport and handling as well as if there is an accident.
7. Store specimen in refrigerator
If you are not dropping off your stool sample immediately it needs to be refrigerated or stored in the correct temperature. Sometimes, a person will pass stool in the night and may not in the morning. If that’s you, you can use that poop but you will have to put it in the refrigerator overnight and take it to the lab next day. Make sure the container is in a specimen bag before putting it in the refrigerator.
If you do it in the morning but you are not dropping it off immediately then store it in the refrigerator. If given otherwise different instructions, follow as told. Always follow your doctor’s or lab instructions.
Do I Need to Make any Preparations for a Stool Test?
There are no special preparations needed for a stool test except your doctor or lab tells you something specific that they want you to do. All you need are the proper containers, specimen bags and any instructions on how to do the sample and drop it off.