How to Collect a Stool Sample

At times in life, a doctor may request a stool sample for examination. This method is used to diagnose serious digestive conditions such as infections caused by parasites, viruses, bacteria, or even cancer. Although the procedure might not be the most comfortable, it provides valuable insights into whether your health is in optimal condition.

Avoid letting the sample be affected by medication. The stool sample must be as natural as possible, so it's important not to take any medications before collecting the sample. Avoid drugs that can alter the sample, such as Pepto Bismol, Maalox, mineral oil, antacids, and Kaopectate. Additionally, if you’ve had a Barium Swallow (a metallic compound used in X-ray imaging to examine abnormalities in the esophagus and stomach), you should postpone the stool sample collection.

Consult with your doctor. The doctor will provide you with the necessary tools for stool sample collection, including the container to store the sample. Ask your doctor for guidance on the process and inquire whether you can receive a "lid". Follow the doctor's instructions carefully and read the usage guide on the tools provided.

• Always remember that toilet water, urine, paper, and soap can contaminate the stool sample, so take care to protect it from these elements. Be prepared to collect the stool sample promptly.

Prepare the toilet with a lid. The lid is a plastic tool shaped like its name, designed to catch and prevent the stool from touching the toilet water. Ask your doctor if they can provide one, as it will make the collection process easier. The lid fits snugly over the toilet bowl.

• To use the lid, lift the toilet seat, place the lid on, and then lower the seat back into place. Sit on the toilet once the lid is in position.

Cover the toilet with plastic wrap. If your doctor does not provide a lid, you can use plastic wrap to cover the toilet. Lift the toilet seat, spread the plastic wrap over the toilet, and then lower the seat to keep it secure.

• You can also press the edges of the wrap onto the toilet sides to make it stick more firmly.
• Before starting, press down on the plastic wrap to create a depression where the stool will be collected.

Place a newspaper over the toilet. As a last resort, you can use a large sheet of newspaper to collect the stool sample. Lift the toilet seat, place the newspaper on the toilet, and then lower the seat to secure it.

• You can also press the edges of the newspaper against the toilet to keep it in place.
• Press down in the middle of the newspaper to create a depression for collecting the stool.

Excrete the stool into the container. It is recommended to urinate first to avoid contamination of the stool sample. Whether at home or in a clinic, protect the sample using the lid or plastic wrap. Be careful when collecting to prevent it from coming into contact with toilet water.

Place the stool sample into the container. Open the container provided by your doctor. The container lid includes a small spoon. Use this spoon to take a small portion of the stool and place it into the container. It is best to collect a sample from the middle and end of the stool you have passed.

• The size of the sample may vary depending on the type of test. Sometimes, your doctor will give you a container with a red line and a liquid inside. You will need to add enough stool to raise the liquid to the red line. Alternatively, you can estimate and take a sample roughly the size of a grape.

Dispose of the collection tools. Discard any unused stool samples in the lid/plastic wrap into the toilet and flush. Place the lid/plastic wrap and any other waste into a trash bag. Tie the trash bag securely.

Keep the stool sample cool. As soon as possible, the stool sample should be sent to the lab. If you cannot send it immediately, it should be kept cold. Place the container with the sample into a sealed bag and store it in the refrigerator. Label it with your name and the date and time of sample collection. It is recommended to use an opaque bag so that the stool sample is not visible.

Deliver the stool sample to your doctor as soon as possible. Under no circumstances should you leave the stool sample for more than 24 hours before giving it to your doctor. Bacteria in the sample will grow and change. For the most accurate results, the stool sample should be tested within 2 hours of collection.

• Contact your doctor to receive the results of your stool sample test.

• Doctor's kit
• Plastic "lid"
• Laxatives (optional, if you are constipated)
• Trash bags
• Soap and clean water to wash your hands after collecting the stool sample