How to prepare for a stool test

Preparing for a stool test or a covert bleeding test

Instructions for collecting the faecal sample

Collection of faeces for coprological examination and detection of worm eggs:

Faeces not suitable for testing after enema procedures, suppositories, laxatives and other medications that affect faecal formation.

• Faeces are collected in special faecal collection cups available in pharmacies.
• Faeces are collected in a cup with a spoon in 3-4 places, which is attached to the lid of the faecal collection cup.
• Once the faeces have been collected, the jar is screwed on with the lid.
• The name of the patient and the date of collection shall be written on the container.
• The sample shall be delivered to the laboratory within 24 hours at room temperature (+15...+25) ⁰C.

IMPORTANT: When testing faeces for hookworm eggs, a transparent film and a glass slide are required for sampling.

Withdrawal procedure:

1. No douching or showering after a night's sleep.
2. The transparent film is pressed against the anus with the sticky side.
3. The film is removed and the adhesive side is pressed against the objective slide.
4. The patient's name and date are written on the slide.
5. The slide is placed in a special box to prevent damage to the sample and delivered to the laboratory within 24 hours at room temperature (+15...+25) ⁰C.

NOTE: It is recommended to repeat the procedure for 3 consecutive mornings to increase the chances of detecting latent helminthiasis.

Faeces should not be collected from patients:

• During menstruation;
• In case of bleeding hemorrhoids;
• In case of intestinal bleeding;
• When blood is detected in the urine.

Patient preparation:

• No dietary restrictions required;
• Do not drink alcohol;
• No aspirin, indomethacin, reserpine, gastric corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs within 48 hours prior to the test date.

Procedure for faecal collection:

1. Faeces are collected in a cup with a spoon in 3-4 places, which is attached to the faecal collection cap.
2. After collection, the jar is screwed on with the lid.
3. The name of the patient and the date of collection shall be written on the container.
4. The sample shall be delivered to the laboratory within 24 hours at room temperature (+15...+25) ⁰C.