Preparation for stool tests

Preparation for stool tests

There are different types of stool tests, and the preparation for each of them will be different. It is also important to follow the rules for collecting biomaterial. The credibility of the research depends on these two factors.

General recommendations for the preparation and collection of biomaterial

1. Feces are collected after involuntary defecation (it is necessary to urinate in the toilet and flush before collecting feces).
2. The sample is taken in a universal container with a screw-on lid, in a volume equal to 1/2 teaspoon or a spoon-spatula fixed in the lid of the container, from different places of a single portion, with a total volume of no more than 1/3 to the container.
3. For microbiological studies of feces, the sample should be collected only in a sterile medical container with a screw-on lid.
4. The sample for the study is collected under the conditions of the usual drinking regime and the nature of the diet.
5. 3-4 days before the study, it is necessary to cancel taking medications that affect secretory processes and peristalsis (laxatives, enzymes, sympathomimetics, bismuth and iron preparations), as well as interfere with the study (rectal suppositories).

When culture of stool for microflora is prescribed, the biomaterial is collected before the start of treatment with antibacterial and chemotherapeutic drugs, if this is not possible, the study is carried out no earlier than 12 hours after the cancellation of the drugs.
For a reliable determination of hidden blood, it is necessary to exclude meat, fish, green vegetables, tomatoes and medicines containing metals (iron, copper) from the diet 3 days before the study.

WARNING! When collecting feces in the container, avoid impurities of urine and secretions from the genitals.

It is inadmissible to deliver feces for research in matchboxes, cardboard boxes, and adapted dishes.

Contraindications to collecting and passing analysis

To obtain reliable results, the study is not performed for signs of bleeding (hemorrhoids, long-term constipation, gum disease with signs of bleeding, menstruation), after an X-ray examination of the stomach and intestines (fecal analysis is permissible no earlier than two days later). It is not possible to conduct research after an enema!

Conditions for storage of biomaterial at home and delivery to the laboratory:

It is recommended to deliver the obtained stool sample to the laboratory immediately, or no later than 30-40 minutes after receipt, provided it is stored in a medical container at T=+2+4°C.

Examination of feces for occult blood

• Three days before submitting feces for analysis, meat, liver, sausages, fish, and all foods rich in iron (apples, bell peppers, spinach, etc.) should be excluded from the diet.
• After an X-ray examination of the stomach and intestines, a stool analysis is indicated no earlier than 2 days later.
• Feces are collected in a sterile plastic container in a small volume (no more than 1/3 of the container) from different places of the fecal mass.
• The chair must be independent and assembled from non-absorbent materials.