Stool sample

[Rebecca85]

So my nurse has asked me to give a stool sample. I have the little vial thingy, which comes with a teeny spoon. I also have a cardboard kidney bowl to 'go' into. Now, this might sound like a daft question, but what do I do to get the sample? By which I mean, how much do I need? Do I just scoop some up with the spoon and that's it? And does it matter what the stool is like (I have been having undigested food- should I aim for a bit that's less foody or doesn't it matter?).

Thank goodness I have this forum to ask these questions on- the receptionist looked as baffled as I was when I asked how I was supposed to get it in the sample jar!

 

[tiloah]

When I do stool samples, they have me go in a plastic bowl - they say whatever you can give them. Then out of that I scoop with the tiny spoon into the vial - there's usually a line that says "Fill up to this point but not above."

 

[Jennifer]

Ya there's usually a line. Things I generally grab little bits of to go into the vial would be what came out first (hard to tell when its diarrhea though, best guess), a side section (can really only be done if its solid) and an inside section along with anything that looks questionable (blood, mucus, black anything, green or discolored sections and sometimes I go for the undigested food too).

The lab used to give out what was called "a hat" which was a plastic bowel that rested on the inside of the toilet. Around here the lab stopped handing them out but you can buy them at a medical supply store.

Edit: Don't let any urine get in the stool when you go.

 

[Rebecca85]

Thanks guys! There really ought to be an instruction book that comes with it!

 

[littlemissh]

The easiest way is to put cling film under the rim of the toilet. You only need 1-2 scoops as they are checking for bugs really. That way you aren't perching on a cardboard thingy!
Is your diarrhoea any better?

 

[Grumbletum]

That is such a great idea

 

[littlemissh]

Glad to be of service !! )

 

[Rebecca85]

I did think about clingfilm, but it's been so violent and so much at times that I don't think it would work. I was planning to go for a wee, then put the cardboard in the toilet bowl, so if I miss it doesn't matter! The diarrhoea has been better at times, then I'll suddenly get an urge and it's back, so I don't know what to expect when I do the sample in the morning.

 

[littlemissh]

Just don't make it tight, use a large bit and 'let it hang down'! more likely to be contained than a kidney bowl...though you may have a super size kidney bowl!

 

[Rebecca85]

Well it's a decent size one... bigger than the hospital bowls I think.

 

[littlemissh]

Hope you are feeling better and your 'collection' went well!

 

[Rebecca85]

Yes, thanks (to both). Not the most pleasant thing I've had to do, and I really feel for the person who has to handle it at the other end! But the last few days, I have gone almost back to normal, just very mild stomach discomfort and fatigue, so I am now beginning to wean myself off the bland low res diet, back to my normal diet.

 

[littlemissh]

Thats good to hear! Happy days.:ysmile:

 

[Rebecca85]

The best bit was when I was talking to the receptionist and someone in the waiting room overheard, she came up and said 'are you talking about doing a sample, lovey?' then saw what I had in my hand, blushed and said 'oh, that's not wee-wee is it!' I just said 'No.'

 

[littlemissh]

Nightmare! Did you dig a quick hole to dive into?

 

[Rebecca85]

Nah, I just grinned and enjoyed her embarrassment. Serves her right really for listening in!