Fecal specimens, also known as stool samples, are collected for various medical tests and
analyses. They are typically used to diagnose or monitor conditions related to the digestive
system, such as infections, inflammatory diseases, cancers, or parasitic infestations. The analysis
of fecal specimens can provide insights into gastrointestinal health, identify pathogens like
bacteria or parasites, detect blood (which may indicate bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract), and
assess the presence of certain substances that might suggest diseases like celiac disease or
malabsorption disorders.
Purpose of Stool Collection
Stool samples are collected for diagnostic purposes to detect:
Gastrointestinal infections (bacteria, viruses, parasites)
Digestive disorders (e.g., malabsorption, inflammatory bowel disease)
Occult (hidden) blood in the stool
Fat content, pH, and enzyme levels
Cancer screening (e.g., fecal occult blood test – FOBT, FIT)
Types of Stool Tests
1. Stool culture – Detects bacterial infections (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli)
2. Ova and parasites (O&P) – Identifies parasitic infections
3. Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or FIT – Detects hidden blood
4. Stool fat test – For malabsorption (e.g., steatorrhea)
5. Fecal calprotectin or lactoferrin – Detects inflammation (IBD)
6. C. difficile toxin test – For Clostridium difficile infection
7. Stool pH – Assesses lactose intolerance or infection
8. DNA or biomarker tests – For colon cancer screening
Stool Collection Procedure
Patient Preparation
Explain the purpose and procedure.
Advise to avoid certain foods (red meat, NSAIDs, iron supplements) if doing FOBT.
Instruct on hygiene and avoiding contamination.
Equipment Needed
Stool collection container (clean, dry, leak-proof)
Gloves
Specimen label
Tongue depressor or spatula
Biohazard bag
Methods of Collection
1. From a clean surface:
Use plastic wrap or newspaper over toilet bowl or use a bedpan.
Pass stool directly onto the surface or pan.
Use a spatula to transfer a portion into the container.
2. From a diaper (infants):
Line diaper with plastic wrap to catch stool separate from urine.
3. For specific tests:
Some require multiple samples over several days.
Use of preservatives may be needed depending on test type (formalin, Cary-Blair
medium, etc.).
Precautions
Do not mix with urine or water.
Avoid toilet paper contamination.
Label the container with patient name, date, and time.
Use gloves during collection and hand hygiene after.
Ensure prompt delivery to the lab (within 1–2 hours for most tests, refrigerate if delay).
Post-Collection Care
Dispose of gloves and materials appropriately.
Wash hands thoroughly.
Document collection details in the patient’s chart
Storage & Transport
Fresh stool: transport immediately.
If delayed, refrigerate (unless test requires room temperature or preservative).
Some specimens must not be frozen or exposed to extreme heat.